20250SB__033598AMD INTRODUCED 2025-02-12 AMENDED_SENATE 2025-03-25 2025 SB AMD Introduced by Senator Strickland <caml:Contribution>LEAD_AUTHOR</caml:Contribution><caml:House>SENATE</caml:House><caml:Name>Jones</caml:Name></caml:Legislator>"?> LEAD_AUTHOR SENATE Strickland

An act to amend Sections 2170, 3001, 3011, 3015, 3016, 3017, 3102, 3106, 3110, 3111, 3116.5, 12283, and of, to add

Chapter 3 (commencing with

Section 3200) to Division of, and to repeal Sections 357.5, 3000.5, 3016.7, 3025.5, 3025.7, 4005, 4005.5, 4005.6, 4006, and of, the Elections Code, relating to elections. elections Elections: voting by mail. Existing law requires county elections officials to mail a ballot to every registered voter for all elections, as provided. Existing law authorizes any county to conduct an all-mailed ballot election under certain conditions. This bill would repeal the provisions requiring county elections officials to mail a ballot to every registered voter and authorizing a county to conduct an all-mailed ballot election.

The bill would instead authorize a voter to request a vote by mail ballot for any election, as specified. The bill would also authorize and establish procedures for a voter to apply to become a permanent vote by mail voter. The bill would require a county elections official to mail a vote by mail ballot for each election to a voter who has qualified to become a permanent vote by mail voter. By establishing new duties for local elections officials, the bill would create a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above. Existing law establishes the California Environmental Protection Program, which is concerned with the preservation and protection of California’s environment.

Existing law requires the program to be administered by the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency. </xhtml:p><xhtml:p>This bill would make a nonsubstantive change to the above provision relating to the administration of the program.</xhtml:p>"?> MAJORITY NO YES YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION

Section 357.5 of the Elections Code is repealed. <caml:Num>357.5.</caml:Num><caml:LawSectionVersion id="id_92A2FED1-CB9B-4161-80DD-460EFA308E38"><caml:Content><xhtml:p>“Vote center” means a location established for holding elections that offers the services described in Sections and 4005.</xhtml:p></caml:Content></caml:LawSectionVersion></caml:LawSection>"?>

SEC. 2.

Section of the Elections Code is amended to read: 2170. (a) “Conditional voter registration” means a properly executed affidavit of registration that is delivered by the registrant to the county elections official during the days immediately preceding an election or on election day and which may be deemed effective pursuant to this

article after the elections official processes the affidavit, determines the registrant’s eligibility to register, and validates the registrant’s information, as specified in subdivision (c). (

b) In addition to other methods of voter registration provided by this code, an elector who is otherwise qualified to register to vote under this code and

Section of

Article II of the California Constitution, including military and overseas voters and voters with disabilities, may complete a conditional voter registration and cast a provisional ballot, or nonprovisional ballot under subdivision (f), during the days immediately preceding an election or on election day pursuant to this article. (c)

(1) A conditional voter registration shall be deemed effective if the county elections official is able to determine before or during the canvass period for the election that the registrant is eligible to register to vote and that the information provided by the registrant on the registration affidavit matches information contained in a database maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles or the federal Social Security Administration.

(2) If the information provided by the registrant on the registration affidavit cannot be verified pursuant to paragraph (1) but the registrant is otherwise eligible to vote, the registrant shall be issued a unique identification number pursuant to

Section and the conditional voter registration shall be deemed effective. (

d) The county elections official shall offer conditional voter registration and voting pursuant to this article, in accordance with all of the following procedures:

(1) The elections official shall provide conditional voter registration and voting pursuant to this

article at all permanent and satellite offices of the county elections official and all polling places in the county.

(2) The elections official shall advise registrants that a conditional voter registration will be effective only if the registrant is determined to be eligible to register to vote for the election and the information provided by the registrant on the registration affidavit is verified pursuant to subdivision (c).

(3) The elections official shall conduct the receipt and handling of each conditional voter registration and offer and receive a corresponding ballot in a manner that protects the secrecy of the ballot and allows the elections official to process the registration, determine the registrant’s eligibility to register, and validate the registrant’s information before counting or rejecting the corresponding ballot.

(4) After receiving a conditional voter registration, the elections official shall process the registration, determine the registrant’s eligibility to register, and attempt to validate the registrant’s information.

(5) If a conditional registration is deemed effective, the elections official shall include the corresponding ballot in the official canvass. (

e) After receiving a conditional voter registration, the elections official shall provide a provisional ballot in accordance with the following procedures:

(1) If the elections office, satellite office, or polling place is equipped with an electronic poll book, or other means to determine the voter’s precinct, the elections official shall provide the voter with a ballot for the voter’s precinct if the ballot is available. The ballot may be cast by any means available at the elections office, satellite office, or polling place.

(2) If the elections official is unable to determine the voter’s precinct, or a ballot for the voter’s precinct is unavailable, the elections official shall provide the voter with a ballot and inform the voter that only the votes for the candidates and measures on which the voter would be entitled to vote in the voter’s assigned precinct may be counted pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (

c) of

Section 14310. The ballot may be cast by any means available at the elections office, satellite office, or polling place.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), if the elections official is able to determine the voter’s precinct, but a ballot for the voter’s precinct is unavailable, the elections official may inform the voter of the location of the voter’s polling place. A voter described in this paragraph shall not be required to vote at the voter’s polling place and may instead, at the voter’s choosing, cast a ballot pursuant to paragraph (2). (4)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>This subdivision does not apply to elections conducted pursuant to

Section 4005.</xhtml:p>"?> (

f) An elections official may offer a nonprovisional ballot to a registrant if the official does both of the following:

(1) Uses the statewide voter registration database developed in compliance with the requirements of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 20901 et seq.) to do all of the following before issuing the nonprovisional ballot: (

A) Verify that the registrant is deemed eligible to register to vote. (

B) Verify that the registrant has not voted in the state in that election. (C)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Verify that the registrant has not been included on a roster for that election in another county in the state that is not conducting elections pursuant to

Section 4005.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(D)</xhtml:p>"?> (

C) Update the voter’s record to indicate that the voter has voted in that election.

(2) If the registrant has been included on a roster for that election in that county, the official updates that roster to indicate that the voter has voted and shall not be issued another nonprovisional ballot for that election. (

g) The Secretary of State may adopt emergency regulations to implement this section. The Legislature finds and declares that such regulations are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or general welfare because the regulations will ensure that elections officials have sufficient time to ensure that elections are held in a safe and accessible manner.

SEC.

Section 3000.5 of the Elections Code is repealed. <caml:Num>3000.5.</caml:Num><caml:LawSectionVersion id="id_53AAFA84-D574-4932-BCC0-B98F42229C8E"><caml:Content><xhtml:p>(a)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding any other law, for each election, the elections official shall, no later than days before the day of the election, begin mailing the materials specified in

Section to every registered voter. The elections official shall have five days to mail a ballot to each person who is registered to vote on the 29th day before the day of the election and five days to mail a ballot to each person who is subsequently registered to vote.

The elections official shall not discriminate against any region or precinct in choosing which ballots to mail first within the prescribed five-day mailing period.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(b)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The distribution of vote by mail ballots to all registered voters does not prevent a voter from voting in person at a polling place, vote center, or other authorized location.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(c)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Consistent with paragraph (2) of subdivision (

a) of

Section 2226, this

section is not intended and shall not be construed to authorize a voter with an inactive voter registration status to receive a vote by mail ballot for an election.</xhtml:p></caml:Content></caml:LawSectionVersion></caml:LawSection>"?>

SEC. 4.

Section of the Elections Code is amended to read: 3001. (

a) Except as provided in

Chapter 3 (commencing with

Section 3200), application for a vote by mail voter’s ballot shall be made in writing to the elections official having jurisdiction over the election between the 29th and the 7th day prior to the election. The application shall be signed by the applicant and shall show the applicant’s place of residence. Any applications received by the elections official prior to the 29th day shall be kept and processed during the application period. (

b) No later than days before the day of the election, the county elections official shall begin mailing the materials required by

Section to qualified applicants for vote by mail ballots, including voters who are permanent vote by mail voters pursuant to

Chapter 3 (commencing with

Section 3200). The county elections official shall have five days to mail a ballot to each person who has requested a vote by mail ballot by the 29th day before the day of the election and five days for each voter who requests a vote by mail ballot after that date. The county elections official shall not discriminate against any region or precinct in the county in choosing which ballots to mail first within the prescribed five-day mailing period.

SEC. 5.

Section of the Elections Code is amended to read: 3015. (

a) Notwithstanding subdivision (

f) of

Section 14310, vote by mail voters who return to the polling place designated for their home precincts on or before election day or go to the office or satellite office of an elections official where voting is permitted shall be permitted to vote nonprovisional ballots if either of the following conditions is satisfied:

(1) They surrender their vote by mail voter ballots to the inspector of the precinct board or the elections official.

(2) They are unable to surrender their vote by mail voter ballots pursuant to paragraph (1) but the precinct board or elections official does all of the following: (

A) Verifies that they have not returned their vote by mail ballots. (

B) Notates their voter records to ensure that their vote by mail ballots are not cast or tabulated after they vote at the polls. (

b) The precinct board shall return the unused vote by mail voters’ ballots surrendered pursuant to subdivision (

a) to the elections official in an envelope designated for this purpose.

SEC. 6.

Section of the Elections Code is amended to read: 3016. Vote by mail voters who return to the polling place designated for their home precincts on or before election day or to the office or satellite office of an elections official where voting is permitted shall be issued a provisional ballot in accordance with

Section if neither of the conditions in subdivision (

a) of

Section is satisfied.

SEC.

Section 3016.7 of the Elections Code is repealed. <caml:Num>3016.7.</caml:Num><caml:LawSectionVersion id="id_23BC3ADF-431D-4996-8CE6-183CDA1E4DD6"><caml:Content><xhtml:p>The county elections official shall permit any voter to cast a ballot using a certified remote accessible vote by mail system, regardless of whether the voter is a voter with disabilities or a military or overseas voter.</xhtml:p></caml:Content></caml:LawSectionVersion></caml:LawSection>"?>

SEC. 8.

Section of the Elections Code is amended to read: 3017. (a)

(1) All vote by mail ballots cast under this division shall be voted on or before the day of the election. After marking the ballot, the vote by mail voter may do any of the following: (

A) Return the ballot by mail or in person to the elections official who issued the ballot. (

B) Return the ballot in person to a member of a precinct board at a polling place within the state. (

C) Return the ballot to a vote by mail ballot dropoff location within the state that is provided pursuant to

Section 3025.

(2) A vote by mail voter who is unable to return the ballot may designate another person to return the ballot to the elections official who issued the ballot, to the precinct board at a polling place within the state, or to a vote by mail ballot dropoff location within the state that is provided pursuant to

Section 3025. The person designated shall return the ballot in person, or put the ballot in the mail, no later than three days after receiving it from the voter or before the close of the polls on election day, whichever time period is shorter. Notwithstanding subdivision (d), a ballot shall not be disqualified from being counted solely because it was returned or mailed more than three days after the designated person received it from the voter, provided that the ballot is returned by the designated person before the close of polls on election day.

(3) The ballot must be received by the elections official who issued the ballot, the precinct board, or the vote by mail ballot dropoff location before the close of the polls on election day. If a vote by mail ballot is returned to a precinct board at a polling place, or to a vote by mail ballot dropoff location, that is located in a county that is not the county of the elections official who issued the ballot, the elections official for the county in which the vote by mail ballot is returned shall forward the ballot to the elections official who issued the ballot no later than eight days after receipt. (

b) The elections official shall establish procedures to ensure the secrecy of a ballot returned to a polling place and the security, confidentiality, and integrity of any personal information collected, stored, or otherwise used pursuant to this section. (

c) On or before March 1, 2008, the elections official shall establish procedures to track and confirm the receipt of voted vote by mail ballots and to make this information available by means of online access using the county’s elections division internet website. If the county does not have an elections division internet website, the elections official shall establish a toll-free telephone number that may be used to confirm the date a voted vote by mail ballot was received. (

d) The provisions of this

section are mandatory, not directory, and a ballot shall not be counted if it is not delivered in compliance with this section. (e)

(1) A person designated to return a vote by mail ballot shall not receive any form of compensation based on the number of ballots that the person returns and an individual, group, or organization shall not provide compensation on this basis.

(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “compensation” means any form of monetary payment, goods, services, benefits, promises or offers of employment, or any other form of consideration offered to another person in exchange for returning another voter’s vote by mail ballot.

(3) A person in charge of a vote by mail ballot and who knowingly and willingly engages in criminal acts related to that ballot as described in Division 18 (commencing with

Section 18000), including, but not limited to, fraud, bribery, intimidation, and tampering with or failing to deliver the ballot in a timely fashion, is subject to the appropriate punishment specified in that division.

SEC.

Section 3025.5 of the Elections Code is repealed. <caml:Num>3025.5.</caml:Num><caml:LawSectionVersion id="id_FB635A99-BC4A-4CC2-B436-ABE995C97EB2"><caml:Content><xhtml:p>(a)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(1)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A county that does not conduct an election pursuant to

Section shall provide at least two vote by mail ballot drop-off locations within the jurisdiction where the election is held or at least one vote by mail ballot drop-off location for every 30,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on the 88th day before the day of the election, whichever results in more vote by mail ballot drop-off locations.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(2)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding paragraph (1), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 30,000 registered voters, at least one vote by mail ballot drop-off location shall be provided.

The elections official shall make a reasonable effort to provide a vote by mail ballot drop-off location in the jurisdiction where the election is held.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(b)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A vote by mail ballot drop-off location provided for under this

section consists of a secure, accessible, and locked ballot box located as near as possible to established public transportation routes and that is able to receive voted ballots.

All vote by mail ballot drop-off locations shall be open at least during regular business hours beginning not less than days before the day of the election, and on the day of the election.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(c)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>At least one vote by mail ballot drop-off location shall be an exterior drop box that is available for a minimum of hours per day.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(d)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>For the purposes of this section, “vote by mail ballot drop-off location” has the same meaning as in

Section 3025.</xhtml:p></caml:Content></caml:LawSectionVersion></caml:LawSection>"?>

SEC.

Section 3025.7 of the Elections Code is repealed. <caml:Num>3025.7.</caml:Num><caml:LawSectionVersion id="id_4402E8C8-8762-4A53-A118-ED9FE4B5E128"><caml:Content><xhtml:p>(a)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A county that conducts a statewide primary or statewide general election in accordance with

Section 3025.5 or shall, in addition to the vote by mail ballot drop-off locations required by those sections, provide the following vote by mail ballot drop-off locations:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(1)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The elections official shall designate one location on the main campus of each California State University within the official’s jurisdiction for an additional vote by mail ballot drop-off location.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(2)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The elections official shall request that the governing body having jurisdiction over any University of California campus within the official’s jurisdiction authorize the use of one location on that campus for an additional vote by mail ballot drop-off location.

The University of California is encouraged to comply with a request made under this paragraph.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(3)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A county may, but is not required to, provide a vote by mail ballot drop-off location on a campus in accordance with this subdivision if the campus is not in session for its fall, winter, or spring term on the day of the election.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(b)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>When selecting ballot drop-off locations required by

Section 3025.5 or for a statewide primary or statewide general election, the elections official shall give preference to locations on community college campuses that will be in session for the fall, winter, or spring term on the day of the election, and that have an annual enrollment of at least 10,000 students.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(c)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A ballot drop-off location established in accordance with this

section shall be accessible to voters with disabilities and shall comply with the general accessibility requirements described in

Section 4005.</xhtml:p></caml:Content></caml:LawSectionVersion></caml:LawSection>"?>

SEC. 11.

Section of the Elections Code is amended to read: 3102. (

a) Any voter who qualifies as a military or overseas voter pursuant to subdivision (

b) of

Section shall have the right to register for, and to vote by a vote by mail ballot in, any election within the state, including any general, special, or primary election for any federal or statewide office or state ballot measure that is voted on statewide. Any voter who qualifies as a military or overseas voter pursuant to subdivision (

b) of

Section shall also have the right to register for, and to vote by a vote by mail ballot in, any other election for any office or ballot measure held in the precinct in which the voter was a resident when the voter was last living within the territorial limits of the United States or the District of Columbia, or, for a military or overseas voter qualified pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (

b) of

Section 321, in any precinct of the state in which the voter’s parent or legal guardian resided when the parent or legal guardian last lived within the territorial limits of the United States or the District of Columbia. (

b) When a military or overseas voter applies for a vote by mail ballot, the application shall be deemed to be an affidavit of registration. The application shall be completed by the voter and shall contain the voter’s name; the voter’s date of birth; the address of the voter’s residence in the state when the voter was last living within the territorial limits of the United States or the District of Columbia or, if qualified as a military or overseas voter pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (

b) of

Section 321, the address of the voter’s parent or legal guardian when the parent or legal guardian was last living within the territorial limits of the United States or the District of Columbia; the address to which the ballot is to be sent; the voter’s political party preference or a statement that the voter declines to disclose a political party preference; and the voter’s signature. (

c) If an elections official receives a completed federal postcard application from a person qualified as a military or overseas voter, the application shall be deemed to be an affidavit of registration and an application for a vote by mail ballot. (

d) If the applicant is not a resident of the county to which the applicant has applied, the elections official receiving an application from a military or overseas voter shall forward it immediately to the county in which the applicant resided when the applicant was last living within the territorial limits of the United States or the District of Columbia or, for a military or overseas voter qualified pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (

b) of

Section 321, to the county in which the applicant’s parent or legal guardian resided when the parent or legal guardian last lived within the territorial limits of the United States or the District of Columbia. (

e) An application made pursuant to this

section that is received by the elections official having jurisdiction over the election and deemed to be an affidavit of registration shall be effective only if it is postmarked on or before the 15th day prior to the election.

SEC. 12.

Section of the Elections Code is amended to read: 3106. (

a) A military or overseas voter who is living outside of the territorial limits of the United States or the District of Columbia, or is called for military service within the United States on or after the seventh day prior to the date of the election, may return their ballot by facsimile transmission. To be counted, the ballot returned by facsimile transmission shall be received by the voter’s elections official no later than the closing of the polls on election day and shall be accompanied by an identification envelope containing all of the information required by

Section and an oath of voter declaration in substantially the following form: “OATH OF VOTER I, , acknowledge that by returning my voted ballot by facsimile transmission I have waived my right to have my ballot kept secret. Nevertheless, I understand that, as with any vote by mail voter, my signature, whether on this oath of voter form or my identification envelope, will be permanently separated from my voted ballot to maintain its secrecy at the outset of the tabulation process and thereafter. My residence address (last U.S. residence for voter qualification purposes) is (Street Address) (City) (ZIP Code) .

My current mailing address is (Street Address) (City) (ZIP Code) . My email address is _________________. My facsimile transmission number is _________________. I am a resident of __________ County, State of California, or am qualified as an elector pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (

b) of

Section of the Elections Code and I have not applied, nor intend to apply, for a vote by mail ballot from any other jurisdiction for the same election. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated this __________ day of ______, 20_____. (Signature) (voter) (power of attorney cannot be accepted) YOUR BALLOT CANNOT BE COUNTED UNLESS YOU SIGN THE ABOVE OATH AND INCLUDE IT WITH YOUR BALLOT AND IDENTIFICATION ENVELOPE, ALL OF WHICH ARE RETURNED BY FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION.” (

b) Notwithstanding the voter’s waiver of the right to a secret ballot, each elections official shall adopt appropriate procedures to protect the secrecy of ballots returned by facsimile transmission. (

c) Upon receipt of a ballot returned by facsimile transmission, the elections official shall determine the voter’s eligibility to vote by comparing the signature on the return information with the signature on the voter’s affidavit of registration or any signature permitted for comparison under

Section 3019. The ballot shall be duplicated and all materials preserved according to procedures set forth in this code. (

d) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a military or overseas voter who is permitted to return their ballot by facsimile transmission is, nonetheless, encouraged to return their ballot by mail or in person if possible. A military or overseas voter should return a ballot by facsimile transmission only if doing so is necessary for the ballot to be received before the close of polls on election day.

SEC. 13.

Section of the Elections Code is amended to read: 3110. If any military or overseas voter returns to the county of their residence, or for a military or overseas voter qualified pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (

b) of

Section 321, to the county in which the applicant’s parent or legal guardian resided when the parent or legal guardian last lived within the territorial limits of the United States or the District of Columbia, after the seventh day prior to the date of the election, they may appear before the elections official and make application for registration, a vote by mail ballot, or both.

The elections official shall register the voter, if the voter is not registered, and deliver to the voter a vote by mail ballot which may be voted in the elections official’s office or voted outside the elections official’s office on or before the close of the polls on the day of election and returned as are other vote by mail ballots.

SEC. 14.

Section of the Elections Code is amended to read: 3111. If a military or overseas voter is unable to appear at their polling place because of being recalled to service after the seventh day prior to the date of the election, but before p.m. on the day before the day of the election, they may appear before the elections official in the county in which the military or overseas voter is registered or, if within the state, in the county in which the voter is recalled to service and make application for a vote by mail ballot.

The elections official shall deliver to the voter a vote by mail ballot which may be voted in the elections official’s office or voted outside the elections official’s office on or before the close of the polls on the day of election and returned as are other vote by mail ballots. To be counted, the ballot shall be returned to the elections official’s office in person, by facsimile transmission, or by an authorized person on or before the close of the polls on the day of the election.

If the military or overseas voter appears in the county in which the voter is recalled to service, rather than the county to which the voter is registered, the elections official shall coordinate with the elections official in the county in which the military or overseas voter is registered to provide the ballot that contains the appropriate measures and races for the precinct in which the military or overseas voter is registered.

SEC.

Section 3116.5 of the Elections Code is amended to read: 3116.5. (

a) A county elections official shall permit a military or overseas voter to cast a ballot using a certified remote accessible vote by mail system. (b)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>This

section does not apply to a county when conducting an all-mailed ballot election pursuant to

Section 4005.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(c)</xhtml:p>"?> (

b) This

section shall become operative on January 1, 2020, or one year after the date on which the Secretary of State certifies a remote accessible vote by mail system pursuant to

Chapter 3.5 (commencing with

Section 19280) of Division 19, whichever is later.

SEC. 16.

Chapter 3 (commencing with

Section 3200) is added to Division of the Elections Code , to read: 3. Permanent Vote by Mail Application and Procedures 3200. A voter who qualifies under this

chapter shall be entitled to become a permanent vote by mail voter. 3201. Any voter may apply for permanent vote by mail status. Application for permanent vote by mail status shall be made in accordance with

Section or 3102. The voter shall complete an application, which shall be available from the county elections official, and which shall contain all of the following: (

a) The applicant’s name at length. (

b) The applicant’s residence address. (

c) The address where the ballot is to be mailed, if different from the place of residence. (

d) The signature of the applicant. 3202. In lieu of executing the application set forth in

Section 3201, any voter may execute a request for permanent vote by mail status by making a written request to the county elections official requesting the status. If a written request is received by the county elections official and it contains the information set forth in

Section 3201, the elections official shall process that application in the manner provided in

Section 3203. 3203. (

a) Upon receipt of an application for permanent vote by mail status, the county elections official shall process the application in the same manner as an application for a vote by mail ballot. (

b) In addition to processing applications in accordance with

Chapter 1 (commencing with

Section 3000), if it is determined that the applicant is a registered voter, the county elections official shall do the following:

(1) Place the voter’s name upon a list of those to whom a vote by mail ballot is sent each time there is an election within the voter’s precinct.

(2) Include in all vote by mail mailings to the voter an explanation of the vote by mail procedure and an explanation of

Section 3206.

(3) Maintain a copy of the vote by mail ballot list on file open to public inspection for election and governmental purposes. 3204. The county elections official shall send a copy of the list of all voters who qualify as permanent vote by mail voters to each city elections official or district elections official charged with the duty of conducting an election within the county. The list shall be sent by the sixth day before an election. 3205. (

a) Vote by mail ballots mailed to, and received from, voters on the permanent vote by mail voter list are subject to the same deadlines and shall be processed and counted in the same manner as all other vote by mail ballots. (

b) Prior to each partisan primary election, county elections officials shall mail to every voter who has declined to disclose a preference for a political party whose name appears on the permanent vote by mail voter list a notice and application regarding voting in the primary election. The notice shall inform the voter that the voter may request a vote by mail ballot for a particular political party for the primary election, if that political party adopted a party rule, duly noticed to the Secretary of State, authorizing these voters to vote in their primary.

The notice shall also contain a toll-free telephone number, established by the Secretary of State, that the voter may call to access information regarding which political parties have adopted such a rule. The application shall contain a checkoff box with a conspicuously printed statement that reads substantially similar to the following: “I have declined to disclose a preference for a qualified political party. However, for this primary election only, I request a vote by mail ballot for the ____ Party.” The name of the political party shall be personally affixed by the voter. 3206.

A voter whose name appears on the permanent vote by mail voter list shall remain on the list and shall be mailed a vote by mail ballot for each election conducted within the precinct in which the voter is eligible to vote. If the voter fails to return an executed vote by mail ballot in four consecutive statewide general elections, the voter’s name shall be deleted from the list.

SEC. 17.

Section of the Elections Code , as amended by

Section of

Chapter of the Statutes of 2024, is repealed. <caml:Num>4005.</caml:Num><caml:LawSectionVersion id="id_89209A38-AB4C-4B84-8E61-DFFF57406783"><caml:Content><xhtml:p>(a)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding

Section or any other law, any county may conduct any election as an all-mailed ballot election if all of the following apply:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(1)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>At least two ballot dropoff locations are provided within the jurisdiction where the election is held or the number of ballot dropoff locations are fixed in a manner so that there is at least one ballot dropoff location provided for every 15,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on the 88th day before the day of the election, whichever results in more ballot dropoff locations.

For purposes of this subparagraph, a vote center that includes an exterior ballot drop box counts only as a single ballot dropoff location. Ballot dropoff locations shall comply with the regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision (

b) of

Section 3025.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A ballot dropoff location provided for under this

section consists of a secure, accessible, and locked ballot box located as near as possible to established public transportation routes and that is able to receive voted ballots. All ballot dropoff locations shall be open at least during regular business hours beginning not less than days before the day of the election, and on the day of the election.

At least one ballot dropoff location shall be an accessible, secured, exterior drop box that is available for a minimum of hours per day including regular business hours.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(2)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official permits a voter residing in the county to do any of the following at a vote center:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Return, or vote and return, the voter’s vote by mail ballot.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Register to vote, update the voter’s voter registration, and vote pursuant to

Section 2170.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Receive and vote a provisional ballot pursuant to

Section or

Article 5 (commencing with

Section 14310) of

Chapter of Division 14.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Receive a replacement ballot upon verification that a ballot for the same election has not been received from the voter by the county elections official.

If the county elections official is unable to determine if a ballot for the same election has been received from the voter, the county elections official may issue a provisional ballot.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(v)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote a regular, provisional, or replacement ballot using accessible voting equipment that provides for a private and independent voting experience.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Each vote center shall have at least three voting machines that are accessible to voters with disabilities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(3)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>On the day of the election, from a.m. to p.m., inclusive, and on each of the three days before the election, for a minimum of eight hours per day, at least one vote center is provided for every 10,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on the 88th day before the day of the election.

At least percent of the number of vote centers required by this subparagraph shall be open for all four days during the required times.

Up to percent of the number of vote centers required by this subparagraph may be open for less than four days if at least one vote center is provided for every 10,000 registered voters on each day.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 20,000 registered voters, a minimum of two vote centers are provided on the day of the election and on each of the three days before the election within the jurisdiction where the election is held.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(4)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Beginning days before the day of the election and continuing daily up to and including the fourth day before the election, for a minimum of eight hours per day, at least one vote center is provided for every 50,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on the 88th day before the day of the election.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 50,000 registered voters, a minimum of two vote centers are provided within the jurisdiction where the election is held.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(C)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The vote centers provided under this

section are established in accordance with the accessibility requirements described in

Article 5 (commencing with

Section 12280) of

Chapter of Division 12, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.

Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 20901 et seq.), and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(D)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The vote centers provided under this

section are equitably distributed across the county so as to afford maximally convenient options for voters and are established at accessible locations as near as possible to established public transportation routes. The vote centers shall be equipped with voting units or systems that are accessible to individuals with disabilities and that provide the same opportunity for access and participation as is provided to voters who are not disabled, including the ability to vote privately and independently in accordance with Sections and 19240.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(E)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The vote centers provided under this

section have an electronic mechanism for the county elections official to immediately access, at a minimum, all of the following voter registration data:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(I)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Name.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(II)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Address.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(III)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Date of birth.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(IV)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Language preference.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(V)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Party preference.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VI)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Precinct.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VII)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Whether or not the voter has been issued a vote by mail ballot and whether or not a ballot has been received by the county elections official.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The electronic mechanism used to access voter registration data shall not be connected in any way to a voting system.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(5)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A method is available for voters with disabilities to request and receive a blank vote by mail ballot and, if a replacement ballot is necessary, a blank replacement ballot that voters with disabilities can read and mark privately and independently pursuant to the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 20901 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(6)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Except as otherwise provided for in this section, election boards for the vote centers established under this

section meet the requirements for eligibility and composition pursuant to

Article 1 (commencing with

Section 12300) of

Chapter of Division 12.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Each vote center provides language assistance in all languages required in the jurisdiction under subdivision (

c) of

Section or

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.) in a manner that enables voters of the applicable language minority groups to participate effectively in the electoral process. Each vote center shall post information regarding the availability of language assistance in English and all other languages for which language assistance is required to be provided in the jurisdiction under subdivision (

c) of

Section or

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>If a vote center is located in, or adjacent to, a precinct, census tract, or other defined geographical subsection required to establish language requirements under subdivision (

c) of

Section or

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.), or if it is identified as needing language assistance through the public input process described in clause (ii), the county elections official shall ensure that the vote center is staffed by election board members who speak the required language.

If the county elections official is unable to recruit election board members who speak the required language, alternative methods of effective language assistance shall be provided by the county elections official.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official shall solicit public input regarding which vote centers should be staffed by election board members who are fluent in a language in addition to English pursuant to subdivision (

c) of

Section and

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official shall provide notice in the sample ballot, in vote by mail materials, and on the official’s internet website of the specific language services available at each vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Each vote center shall post information regarding the availability of language assistance services, including any language assistance hotlines provided by the county or Secretary of State.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(C)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Each vote center provides election materials translated in all languages required in the jurisdiction under subdivision (

a) of

Section and

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(D)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Each vote center provides reasonable modifications and auxiliary aids and services as required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.

Sec. 12101 et seq.) and the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.

Sec. 701 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(7)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Beginning days before the election, the county elections official maintains, in an electronic format, an index of voters who have done any of the following at one of the vote centers established pursuant to this section:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Registered to vote or updated the voter’s voter registration.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Received and voted a provisional ballot or replacement ballot.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Voted a ballot using equipment at the vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The index required by subparagraph (

A) includes the same information for each voter as is required to be included on copies of the roster that are posted pursuant to

Section 14294. The index required by subparagraph (

A) shall be updated continuously during any time that a vote center is open in the jurisdiction.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(8)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>No later than days before the day of the election, the county elections official begins mailing to registered voters a vote by mail ballot packet that includes a return envelope with instructions for the use and return of the vote by mail ballot.

The county elections official shall have five days to mail a ballot to each person who is registered to vote on the 29th day before the day of the election and five days for each subsequent registered voter. The county elections official shall not discriminate against any region or precinct in the county in choosing which ballots to mail first within the prescribed five-day mailing period.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official delivers to each voter, with either the sample ballot sent pursuant to

Section or with the vote by mail ballot packet, all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A notice, translated in all languages required under subdivision (

a) of

Section and

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.), that informs voters of all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(I)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>An all-mailed ballot election is being conducted and each eligible voter will be issued a vote by mail ballot by mail.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(II)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The voter may cast a vote by mail ballot in person at a vote center during the times and days specified in subparagraph (

A) of paragraph (4) or on election day.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(III)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>No later than seven days before the day of the election, the voter may request the county elections official to send a vote by mail ballot in a language other than English pursuant to

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.) or a facsimile copy of the ballot printed in a language other than English pursuant to

Section 14201.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(IV)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>No later than seven days before the day of the election, the voter may request the county elections official to send or deliver a ballot that voters with disabilities can read and mark privately and independently pursuant to the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 20901 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(V)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Language assistance hotlines provided by the county or Secretary of State.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A list of the ballot dropoff locations and vote centers established pursuant to this section, including the dates and hours they are open. The list shall also be posted on the internet website of the county elections official in a format that is accessible for people with disabilities pursuant to

Section of the Government Code.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A postage-paid postcard that the voter may return to the county elections official for the purpose of requesting a vote by mail ballot in a language other than English or for the purpose of requesting a vote by mail ballot in an accessible format.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(C)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Upon request, the county elections official provides written voting materials to voters with disabilities in an accessible format, as required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.

Sec. 12101 et seq.) and the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.

Sec. 701 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(9)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official establishes a language accessibility advisory committee that is comprised of representatives of language minority communities. The committee shall be established and hold its first meeting before the public meeting required by clause (

i) of subparagraph (

A) of paragraph (10).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official establishes a voting accessibility advisory committee that is comprised of voters with disabilities. The committee shall be established and hold its first meeting before the public meeting required by clause (ii) of subparagraph (

A) of paragraph (10).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(C)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>In a county with more than 500,000 registered voters, the county elections official establishes a voter education and outreach advisory committee that is comprised of voter engagement, education, and community outreach advocates. The committee shall be established and hold its first meeting before the public meeting required by clause (iii) of subparagraph (

A) of paragraph (10).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(D)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A county with fewer than 50,000 registered voters may establish a joint advisory committee for language minority communities and voters with disabilities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(10)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official develops a draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section in consultation with the public, including all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>One meeting, publicly noticed at least days in advance of the meeting and held prior to the noticing of the draft plan pursuant to subparagraph (C), that includes representatives, advocates, and other stakeholders representing each community for which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance in a language other than English under subdivision (

a) of

Section and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>One meeting, publicly noticed at least days in advance of the meeting and held prior to the noticing of the draft plan pursuant to subparagraph (C), that includes representatives from the disability community and community organizations and individuals that advocate on behalf of, or provide services to, individuals with disabilities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>In a county with more than 500,000 registered voters, one meeting, publicly noticed at least days in advance of the meeting and held prior to the noticing of the draft plan pursuant to subparagraph (C), that includes voter education and outreach advocates.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official, when developing the draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section, considers, at a minimum, all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to public transportation.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities with historically low vote by mail usage.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to population centers.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to language minority communities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(v)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to voters with disabilities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(vi)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities with low rates of household vehicle ownership.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(vii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to low-income communities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(viii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities of eligible voters who are not registered to vote and may need access to same day voter registration.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ix)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to geographically isolated populations, including Native American reservations.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(x)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Access to accessible and free parking at vote centers and ballot dropoff locations.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(xi)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The distance and time a voter must travel by car or public transportation to a vote center and ballot dropoff location.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(xii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The need for alternate methods for voters with disabilities for whom vote by mail ballots are not accessible to cast a ballot.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(xiii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Traffic patterns near vote centers and ballot dropoff locations.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(xiv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The need for mobile vote centers in addition to the number of vote centers established pursuant to this section.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(xv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center location on a public or private university or college campus.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(C)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official publicly notices the draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section and accepts public comments on the draft plan for at least days before the public hearing held pursuant to subparagraph (D).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(D)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Following the 14-day review period required by subparagraph (C), the county elections official holds a public hearing to consider the draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section and to accept public comments. The meeting shall be publicly noticed at least days in advance of the meeting on the internet websites of the clerk of the county board of supervisors and the county elections official, or, if neither the clerk of the county board of supervisors nor the county elections official maintain an internet website, in the office of the county elections official.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>After the public hearing to consider the draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section and to accept public comments, the county elections official shall consider any public comments the official receives from the public and shall amend the draft plan in response to the public comments to the extent the official deems appropriate.

The county elections official shall publicly notice the amended draft plan and shall accept public comments on the amended draft plan for at least days before the county elections official may adopt the amended draft plan pursuant to subparagraph (E).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(E)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>No later than days before the election and following the 14-day review and comment period required by clause (ii) of subparagraph (D), the county elections official shall adopt a final plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section.

The county elections official shall submit the voter education and outreach plan that is required by clause (

i) of subparagraph (

I) to the Secretary of State for approval.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The Secretary of State shall approve, approve with modifications, or reject a voter education and outreach plan submitted pursuant to clause (

i) of subparagraph (

I) within days after the plan is submitted by the county elections official.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The draft plan, the amended draft plan, and the adopted final plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section shall be posted on the internet website of the county elections official in each language in which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance under subdivision (

a) of

Section and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.), and the Secretary of State’s internet website in a format that is accessible for people with disabilities pursuant to

Section of the Government Code.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(F)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Public meetings held pursuant to this paragraph shall, upon request, provide auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication with people with disabilities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(G)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Within two years of the adoption of the first plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section, the county elections official shall hold public meetings in accordance with the procedures described in subparagraphs (

C) to (F), inclusive, to consider revising the first plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section. Every four years thereafter, the county elections official shall hold public meetings in accordance with the procedures described in subparagraphs (

C) to (F), inclusive, to consider revising the plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(H)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>With reasonable public notification, a county elections official may amend a plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section no more than days before the date of an election held pursuant to this section.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>With reasonable public notification, a county elections official may amend a plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section more than days before the date of an election held pursuant to this

section if the official provides at least days to accept public comments on the amended plan.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(I)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section, includes all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A voter education and outreach plan that is approved by the Secretary of State and that includes all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(I)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how the county elections official will use the media, including social media, newspapers, radio, and television that serve language minority communities for purposes of informing voters of the upcoming election and promoting the toll-free voter assistance hotline.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(II)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how the county elections official will use the media, including social media, newspapers, radio, and television for purposes of informing voters of the availability of a vote by mail ballot in an accessible format and the process for requesting such a ballot.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(III)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how the county elections official will have a community presence to educate voters regarding the provisions of this section.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(IV)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of the accessible information that will be publicly available on the accessible internet website of the county elections official.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(V)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of the method used by the county elections official to identify language minority voters.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VI)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how the county elections official will educate and communicate the provisions of this

section to the public, including:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ia)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Communities for which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance in a language other than English under subdivision (

a) of

Section and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.). The county elections official shall hold at least one bilingual voter education workshop for each language in which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance in a language other than English under subdivision (

a) of

Section and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ib)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The disability community, including organizations and individuals that advocate on behalf of, or provide services to, individuals with disabilities.

The county elections official shall hold at least one voter education workshop to increase accessibility and participation of eligible voters with disabilities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VII)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how the county will spend the necessary resources on voter education and outreach to ensure that voters are fully informed about the election.

This description shall include information about the amount of money the county plans to spend on voter education and outreach activities under the plan, and how that compares to the amount of money spent on voter education and outreach in recent similar elections in the same jurisdiction.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VIII)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>At least one public service announcement in the media, including newspapers, radio, and television, that serve English-speaking citizens for purposes of informing voters of the upcoming election and promoting the toll-free voter assistance hotline.

Outreach made under this subclause shall include access for voters who are deaf or hard of hearing and voters who are blind or visually impaired.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(IX)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>At least one public service announcement in the media, including newspapers, radio, and television, that serve non-English-speaking citizens for each language in which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance under subdivision (

a) of

Section and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.) for purposes of informing voters of the upcoming election and promoting the toll-free voter assistance hotline.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(X)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>At least two direct contacts with voters for purposes of informing voters of the upcoming election and promoting the toll-free voter assistance hotline.

The two direct contacts are in addition to any other required contacts, including, but not limited to, sample ballots and the delivery of vote by mail ballots.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ia)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>After the first six statewide elections conducted pursuant to this section, a county elections official may make one direct contact if the county elections official does both of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(Ia)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Revises the plan for the administration of elections pursuant to subparagraph (

G) to explain how at least half of the funds saved from not making a second direct contact will be used on targeted outreach to historically underrepresented voters.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(Ib)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Spends at least half of the funds saved from not making a second direct contact on targeted outreach to historically underrepresented voters.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ib)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>If direct contact is made by mail, the county elections official must mail at least one copy of each direct contact to voters with the same surname and postal address, in each language requested.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ic)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>At least one direct contact shall be made with voters during an election that is conducted either in a jurisdiction with fewer than 30,000 registered voters or conducted pursuant to subdivision (

b) within days of a regularly scheduled statewide election.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(id)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding sub-subclause (ia), a county elections official shall make at least two direct contacts with a voter for the first six statewide elections that the voter is registered to vote in the county.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how a voter with disabilities may request and receive a blank vote by mail ballot and, if a replacement ballot is necessary, a blank replacement ballot that a voter with disabilities can mark privately and independently.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how the county elections official will address significant disparities in voter accessibility and participation identified in the report required by subdivision (g).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of the methods and standards that the county elections official will use to ensure the security of voting conducted at vote centers.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(v)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Information about estimated short-term and long-term costs and savings from conducting elections pursuant to this

section as compared to recent similar elections in the same jurisdiction that were not conducted pursuant to this section.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(vi)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>To the extent available at the time of publication, information on all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(I)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The total number of vote centers to be established.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(II)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The total number of ballot dropoff locations to be established.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(III)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The location of each vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(IV)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The location of each ballot dropoff location and whether it is inside or outside.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(V)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A map of the locations of each vote center and ballot dropoff location.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VI)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The hours of operation for each vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VII)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The hours of operation for each ballot dropoff location.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VIII)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The security and contingency plans that would be implemented by the county elections official to do both of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ia)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Prevent a disruption of the vote center process.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ib)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Ensure that the election is properly conducted if a disruption occurs.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(IX)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The number of election board members and the number of bilingual election board members and the languages spoken.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(X)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The services provided to voters with disabilities, including, but not limited to, the type and number of accessible voting machines and reasonable modifications at each vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(XI)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The design, layout, and placement of equipment inside each vote center that protects each voter’s right to cast a private and independent ballot.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(vii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A toll-free voter assistance hotline that is accessible to voters who are deaf or hard of hearing, and that is maintained by the county elections official that is operational no later than days before the day of the election until p.m. on the day after the election.

The toll-free voter assistance hotline shall provide assistance to voters in all languages in which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance under subdivision (

a) of

Section and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(J)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section is posted in a format that is accessible to persons with disabilities on the internet website of the Secretary of State and on the internet website of the county elections official.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(b)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding

Section or any other law, any county may conduct a special election as an all-mailed ballot election under this

section if all of the following apply:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(1)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official has done either of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Previously conducted an election as an all-mailed ballot election in accordance with subdivision (a).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Adopted a final plan for the administration of elections pursuant to clause (

i) of subparagraph (

E) of paragraph (10) of subdivision (a), in which case the county elections official shall complete all activities provided for in the voter education and outreach plan that is required by clause (

i) of subparagraph (

I) of paragraph (10) of subdivision (

a) before the day of the special election.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(2)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>On the day of the election, from a.m. to p.m., inclusive, at least one vote center is provided for every 30,000 registered voters.

If the jurisdiction is not wholly contained within the county, the county elections official shall make a reasonable effort to establish a vote center within the jurisdiction where the special election is held.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 30,000 registered voters, the county elections official makes a reasonable effort to establish a vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(3)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Not less than days before the day of the election, for a minimum of eight hours per day, at least one vote center is provided for every 60,000 registered voters.

If the jurisdiction is not wholly contained within the county, the county elections official shall make a reasonable effort to establish a vote center within the jurisdiction where the special election is held.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 30,000 registered voters, the county elections official makes a reasonable effort to establish a vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(4)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>At least one ballot dropoff location is provided for every 15,000 registered voters.

At least one ballot dropoff location shall be located within the jurisdiction where the special election is held.

All ballot dropoff locations shall be open at least during regular business hours beginning not less than days before the day of the election, and on the day of the election.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 15,000 registered voters, at least one ballot dropoff location shall be provided.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(c)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Except as otherwise provided in this section, the election day procedures shall be conducted in accordance with Division 14 (commencing with

Section 14000).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(d)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official may provide, at the official’s discretion, additional ballot dropoff locations and vote centers for purposes of this section.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(e)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The return of voted vote by mail ballots is subject to Sections and 3020.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(f)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>For the sole purpose of reporting the results of an election conducted pursuant to this section, upon completion of the ballot count, the county elections official shall divide the jurisdiction into precincts pursuant to

Article 2 (commencing with

Section 12220) of

Chapter of Division and shall prepare a statement of the results of the election in accordance with Sections and 15374.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(g)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(1)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Within six months of each election conducted pursuant to this section, the Secretary of State shall submit a final report to the Legislature on all of the following information by categories of race, ethnicity, language preference, age, gender, disability, permanent vote by mail status, historical polling place voters, political party affiliation, and language minorities as it relates to the languages required under subdivision (

a) of

Section and

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.):</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Voter turnout.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Voter registration.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Ballot rejection rates.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Reasons for ballot rejection.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(v)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Provisional ballot use.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(vi)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Accessible vote by mail ballot use.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(vii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The number of votes cast at each vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(viii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The number of ballots returned at ballot dropoff locations.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ix)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The number of ballots returned by mail.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(x)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The number of persons who registered to vote at a vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(xi)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Instances of voter fraud.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(xii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Any other problems that became known to the county elections official or the Secretary of State during the election or canvass.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The report required by subparagraph (

A) shall be posted on the internet website of the Secretary of State in a format that is accessible for people with disabilities pursuant to

Section of the Government Code.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(C)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The report required by subparagraph (

A) shall be submitted to the Legislature in compliance with

Section of the Government Code.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(D)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>If an election is conducted pursuant to this section, the county shall submit, to the extent possible, to the Secretary of State the information needed for the Secretary of State to prepare the report required by subparagraph (A).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(E)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The Secretary of State may contract with any qualified person or organization for purposes of preparing the report required by subparagraph (A).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(2)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Within nine months of the certification of the results of each election conducted pursuant to this section, the county elections official shall post on the official’s internet website a report that compares the cost of elections conducted pursuant to this

section to the costs of previous elections. The report shall be posted in a format that is accessible for people with disabilities pursuant to

Section of the Government Code.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(h)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The Secretary of State shall enforce the provisions of this

section pursuant to

Section 12172.5 of the Government Code.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>For purposes of this section, “disability” has the same meaning as defined in subdivisions (j), (m), and (

n) of

Section of the Government Code.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(j)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>This

section shall remain in effect until December 31, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.</xhtml:p></caml:Content></caml:LawSectionVersion></caml:LawSection>"?>

SEC. 18.

Section of the Elections Code , as added by

Section of

Chapter of the Statutes of 2024, is repealed. <caml:Num>4005.</caml:Num><caml:LawSectionVersion id="id_6186B109-A4FC-4425-8E0D-B32DFBE45C2D"><caml:Content><xhtml:p>(a)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding

Section or any other law, any county may conduct any election as an all-mailed ballot election if all of the following apply:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(1)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>At least two ballot dropoff locations are provided within the jurisdiction where the election is held or the number of ballot dropoff locations are fixed in a manner so that there is at least one ballot dropoff location provided for every 15,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on the 88th day before the day of the election, whichever results in more ballot dropoff locations.

For purposes of this subparagraph, a vote center that includes an exterior ballot drop box counts only as a single ballot dropoff location. Ballot dropoff locations shall comply with the regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision (

b) of

Section 3025.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A ballot dropoff location provided for under this

section consists of a secure, accessible, and locked ballot box located as near as possible to established public transportation routes and that is able to receive voted ballots. All ballot dropoff locations shall be open at least during regular business hours beginning not less than days before the day of the election, and on the day of the election.

At least one ballot dropoff location shall be an accessible, secured, exterior drop box that is available for a minimum of hours per day including regular business hours.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(2)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official permits a voter residing in the county to do any of the following at a vote center:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Return, or vote and return, the voter’s vote by mail ballot.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Register to vote, update the voter’s voter registration, and vote pursuant to

Section 2170.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Receive and vote a provisional ballot pursuant to

Section or

Article 5 (commencing with

Section 14310) of

Chapter of Division 14.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Receive a replacement ballot upon verification that a ballot for the same election has not been received from the voter by the county elections official.

If the county elections official is unable to determine if a ballot for the same election has been received from the voter, the county elections official may issue a provisional ballot.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(v)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote a regular, provisional, or replacement ballot using accessible voting equipment that provides for a private and independent voting experience.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Each vote center shall have at least three voting machines that are accessible to voters with disabilities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(3)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>On the day of the election, from a.m. to p.m., inclusive, and on each of the three days before the election, for a minimum of eight hours per day, at least one vote center is provided for every 10,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on the 88th day before the day of the election.

At least percent of the number of vote centers required by this subparagraph shall be open for all four days during the required times.

Up to percent of the number of vote centers required by this subparagraph may be open for less than four days if at least one vote center is provided for every 10,000 registered voters on each day.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 20,000 registered voters, a minimum of two vote centers are provided on the day of the election and on each of the three days before the election within the jurisdiction where the election is held.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(4)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Beginning days before the day of the election and continuing daily up to and including the fourth day before the election, for a minimum of eight hours per day, at least one vote center is provided for every 50,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on the 88th day before the day of the election.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 50,000 registered voters, a minimum of two vote centers are provided within the jurisdiction where the election is held.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(C)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The vote centers provided under this

section are established in accordance with the accessibility requirements described in

Article 5 (commencing with

Section 12280) of

Chapter of Division 12, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.

Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 20901 et seq.), and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(D)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The vote centers provided under this

section are equitably distributed across the county so as to afford maximally convenient options for voters and are established at accessible locations as near as possible to established public transportation routes. The vote centers shall be equipped with voting units or systems that are accessible to individuals with disabilities and that provide the same opportunity for access and participation as is provided to voters who are not disabled, including the ability to vote privately and independently in accordance with Sections and 19240.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(E)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The vote centers provided under this

section have an electronic mechanism for the county elections official to immediately access, at a minimum, all of the following voter registration data:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(I)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Name.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(II)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Address.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(III)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Date of birth.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(IV)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Language preference.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(V)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Party preference.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VI)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Precinct.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VII)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Whether or not the voter has been issued a vote by mail ballot and whether or not a ballot has been received by the county elections official.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The electronic mechanism used to access voter registration data shall not be connected in any way to a voting system.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(5)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A method is available for voters with disabilities to request and receive a blank vote by mail ballot and, if a replacement ballot is necessary, a blank replacement ballot that voters with disabilities can read and mark privately and independently pursuant to the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 20901 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(6)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Except as otherwise provided for in this section, election boards for the vote centers established under this

section meet the requirements for eligibility and composition pursuant to

Article 1 (commencing with

Section 12300) of

Chapter of Division 12.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Each vote center provides language assistance in all languages required in the jurisdiction under subdivision (

c) of

Section or

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.) in a manner that enables voters of the applicable language minority groups to participate effectively in the electoral process. Each vote center shall post information regarding the availability of language assistance in English and all other languages for which language assistance is required to be provided in the jurisdiction under subdivision (

c) of

Section or

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>If a vote center is located in, or adjacent to, a precinct, census tract, or other defined geographical subsection required to establish language requirements under subdivision (

c) of

Section or

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.), or if it is identified as needing language assistance through the public input process described in clause (ii), the county elections official shall ensure that the vote center is staffed by election board members who speak the required language.

If the county elections official is unable to recruit election board members who speak the required language, alternative methods of effective language assistance shall be provided by the county elections official.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official shall solicit public input regarding which vote centers should be staffed by election board members who are fluent in a language in addition to English pursuant to subdivision (

c) of

Section and

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official shall provide notice in the sample ballot, in vote by mail materials, and on the official’s internet website of the specific language services available at each vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Each vote center shall post information regarding the availability of language assistance services, including any language assistance hotlines provided by the county or Secretary of State.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(C)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Each vote center provides election materials translated in all languages required in the jurisdiction under subdivision (

a) of

Section and

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(D)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Each vote center provides reasonable modifications and auxiliary aids and services as required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.

Sec. 12101 et seq.) and the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.

Sec. 701 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(7)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Beginning days before the election, the county elections official maintains, in an electronic format, an index of voters who have done any of the following at one of the vote centers established pursuant to this section:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Registered to vote or updated the voter’s voter registration.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Received and voted a provisional ballot or replacement ballot.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Voted a ballot using equipment at the vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The index required by subparagraph (

A) includes the same information for each voter as is required to be included on copies of the roster that are posted pursuant to

Section 14294. The index required by subparagraph (

A) shall be updated continuously during any time that a vote center is open in the jurisdiction.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(8)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>No later than days before the day of the election, the county elections official begins mailing to registered voters a vote by mail ballot packet that includes a return envelope with instructions for the use and return of the vote by mail ballot.

The county elections official shall have five days to mail a ballot to each person who is registered to vote on the 29th day before the day of the election and five days for each subsequent registered voter. The county elections official shall not discriminate against any region or precinct in the county in choosing which ballots to mail first within the prescribed five-day mailing period.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official delivers to each voter, with either the sample ballot sent pursuant to

Section or with the vote by mail ballot packet, all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A notice, translated in all languages required under subdivision (

a) of

Section and

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.), that informs voters of all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(I)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>An all-mailed ballot election is being conducted and each eligible voter will be issued a vote by mail ballot by mail.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(II)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The voter may cast a vote by mail ballot in person at a vote center during the times and days specified in subparagraph (

A) of paragraph (4) or on election day.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(III)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>No later than seven days before the day of the election, the voter may request the county elections official to send a vote by mail ballot in a language other than English pursuant to

Section of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.) or a facsimile copy of the ballot printed in a language other than English pursuant to

Section 14201.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(IV)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>No later than seven days before the day of the election, the voter may request the county elections official to send or deliver a ballot that voters with disabilities can read and mark privately and independently pursuant to the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 20901 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(V)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Language assistance hotlines provided by the county or Secretary of State.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A list of the ballot dropoff locations and vote centers established pursuant to this section, including the dates and hours they are open. The list shall also be posted on the internet website of the county elections official in a format that is accessible for people with disabilities pursuant to

Section of the Government Code.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A postage-paid postcard that the voter may return to the county elections official for the purpose of requesting a vote by mail ballot in a language other than English or for the purpose of requesting a vote by mail ballot in an accessible format.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(C)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Upon request, the county elections official provides written voting materials to voters with disabilities in an accessible format, as required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.

Sec. 12101 et seq.) and the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.

Sec. 701 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(9)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official establishes a language accessibility advisory committee that is comprised of representatives of language minority communities. The committee shall be established and hold its first meeting before the public meeting required by clause (

i) of subparagraph (

A) of paragraph (10).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official establishes a voting accessibility advisory committee that is comprised of voters with disabilities. The committee shall be established and hold its first meeting before the public meeting required by clause (ii) of subparagraph (

A) of paragraph (10).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(C)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A county with fewer than 50,000 registered voters may establish a joint advisory committee for language minority communities and voters with disabilities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(10)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official develops a draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section in consultation with the public, including both of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>One meeting, publicly noticed at least days in advance of the meeting and held prior to the noticing of the draft plan pursuant to subparagraph (C), that includes representatives, advocates, and other stakeholders representing each community for which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance in a language other than English under subdivision (

a) of

Section and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>One meeting, publicly noticed at least days in advance of the meeting and held prior to the noticing of the draft plan pursuant to subparagraph (C), that includes representatives from the disability community and community organizations and individuals that advocate on behalf of, or provide services to, individuals with disabilities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official, when developing the draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section, considers, at a minimum, all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to public transportation.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities with historically low vote by mail usage.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to population centers.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to language minority communities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(v)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to voters with disabilities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(vi)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities with low rates of household vehicle ownership.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(vii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to low-income communities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(viii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities of eligible voters who are not registered to vote and may need access to same day voter registration.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ix)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to geographically isolated populations, including Native American reservations.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(x)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Access to accessible and free parking at vote centers and ballot dropoff locations.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(xi)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The distance and time a voter must travel by car or public transportation to a vote center and ballot dropoff location.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(xii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The need for alternate methods for voters with disabilities for whom vote by mail ballots are not accessible to cast a ballot.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(xiii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Traffic patterns near vote centers and ballot dropoff locations.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(xiv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The need for mobile vote centers in addition to the number of vote centers established pursuant to this section.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(xv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Vote center location on a public or private university or college campus.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(C)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official publicly notices the draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section and accepts public comments on the draft plan for at least days before the public hearing held pursuant to subparagraph (D).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(D)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Following the 14-day review period required by subparagraph (C), the county elections official holds a public hearing to consider the draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section and to accept public comments. The meeting shall be publicly noticed at least days in advance of the meeting on the internet websites of the clerk of the county board of supervisors and the county elections official, or, if neither the clerk of the county board of supervisors nor the county elections official maintain an internet website, in the office of the county elections official.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>After the public hearing to consider the draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section and to accept public comments, the county elections official shall consider any public comments the official receives from the public and shall amend the draft plan in response to the public comments to the extent the official deems appropriate.

The county elections official shall publicly notice the amended draft plan and shall accept public comments on the amended draft plan for at least days before the county elections official may adopt the amended draft plan pursuant to subparagraph (E).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(E)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>No later than days before the election and following the 14-day review and comment period required by clause (ii) of subparagraph (D), the county elections official shall adopt a final plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section.

The county elections official shall submit the voter education and outreach plan that is required by clause (

i) of subparagraph (

I) to the Secretary of State for approval.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The Secretary of State shall approve, approve with modifications, or reject a voter education and outreach plan submitted pursuant to clause (

i) of subparagraph (

I) within days after the plan is submitted by the county elections official.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The draft plan, the amended draft plan, and the adopted final plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section shall be posted on the internet website of the county elections official in each language in which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance under subdivision (

a) of

Section and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.), and the Secretary of State’s internet website in a format that is accessible for people with disabilities pursuant to

Section of the Government Code.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(F)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Public meetings held pursuant to this paragraph shall, upon request, provide auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication with people with disabilities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(G)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Within two years of the adoption of the first plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section, the county elections official shall hold public meetings in accordance with the procedures described in subparagraphs (

C) to (F), inclusive, to consider revising the first plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section. Every four years thereafter, the county elections official shall hold public meetings in accordance with the procedures described in subparagraphs (

C) to (F), inclusive, to consider revising the plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(H)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>With reasonable public notification, a county elections official may amend a plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section no more than days before the date of an election held pursuant to this section.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>With reasonable public notification, a county elections official may amend a plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section more than days before the date of an election held pursuant to this

section if the official provides at least days to accept public comments on the amended plan.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(I)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section, includes all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(i)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A voter education and outreach plan that is approved by the Secretary of State and that includes all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(I)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how the county elections official will use the media, including social media, newspapers, radio, and television that serve language minority communities for purposes of informing voters of the upcoming election and promoting the toll-free voter assistance hotline.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(II)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how the county elections official will use the media, including social media, newspapers, radio, and television for purposes of informing voters of the availability of a vote by mail ballot in an accessible format and the process for requesting such a ballot.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(III)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how the county elections official will have a community presence to educate voters regarding the provisions of this section.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(IV)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of the accessible information that will be publicly available on the accessible internet website of the county elections official.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(V)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of the method used by the county elections official to identify language minority voters.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VI)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how the county elections official will educate and communicate the provisions of this

section to the public, including:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ia)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Communities for which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance in a language other than English under subdivision (

a) of

Section and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.). The county elections official shall hold at least one bilingual voter education workshop for each language in which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance in a language other than English under subdivision (

a) of

Section and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ib)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The disability community, including organizations and individuals that advocate on behalf of, or provide services to, individuals with disabilities.

The county elections official shall hold at least one voter education workshop to increase accessibility and participation of eligible voters with disabilities.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VII)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how the county will spend the necessary resources on voter education and outreach to ensure that voters are fully informed about the election.

This description shall include information about the amount of money the county plans to spend on voter education and outreach activities under the plan, and how that compares to the amount of money spent on voter education and outreach in recent similar elections in the same jurisdiction.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VIII)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>At least one public service announcement in the media, including newspapers, radio, and television, that serve English-speaking citizens for purposes of informing voters of the upcoming election and promoting the toll-free voter assistance hotline.

Outreach made under this subclause shall include access for voters who are deaf or hard of hearing and voters who are blind or visually impaired.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(IX)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>At least one public service announcement in the media, including newspapers, radio, and television, that serve non-English-speaking citizens for each language in which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance under subdivision (

a) of

Section and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.) for purposes of informing voters of the upcoming election and promoting the toll-free voter assistance hotline.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(X)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>At least two direct contacts with voters for purposes of informing voters of the upcoming election and promoting the toll-free voter assistance hotline.

The two direct contacts are in addition to any other required contacts, including, but not limited to, sample ballots and the delivery of vote by mail ballots.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ia)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>After the first six statewide elections conducted pursuant to this section, a county elections official may make one direct contact if the county elections official does both of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(Ia)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Revises the plan for the administration of elections pursuant to subparagraph (

G) to explain how at least half of the funds saved from not making a second direct contact will be used on targeted outreach to historically underrepresented voters.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(Ib)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Spends at least half of the funds saved from not making a second direct contact on targeted outreach to historically underrepresented voters.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ib)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>If direct contact is made by mail, the county elections official must mail at least one copy of each direct contact to voters with the same surname and postal address, in each language requested.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ic)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>At least one direct contact shall be made with voters during an election that is conducted either in a jurisdiction with fewer than 30,000 registered voters or conducted pursuant to subdivision (

b) within days of a regularly scheduled statewide election.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(id)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding sub-subclause (ia), a county elections official shall make at least two direct contacts with a voter for the first six statewide elections that the voter is registered to vote in the county.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how a voter with disabilities may request and receive a blank vote by mail ballot and, if a replacement ballot is necessary, a blank replacement ballot that a voter with disabilities can mark privately and independently.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of how the county elections official will address significant disparities in voter accessibility and participation identified in the report required by subdivision (g).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(iv)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A description of the methods and standards that the county elections official will use to ensure the security of voting conducted at vote centers.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(v)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Information about estimated short-term and long-term costs and savings from conducting elections pursuant to this

section as compared to recent similar elections in the same jurisdiction that were not conducted pursuant to this section.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(vi)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>To the extent available at the time of publication, information on all of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(I)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The total number of vote centers to be established.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(II)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The total number of ballot dropoff locations to be established.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(III)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The location of each vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(IV)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The location of each ballot dropoff location and whether it is inside or outside.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(V)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A map of the locations of each vote center and ballot dropoff location.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VI)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The hours of operation for each vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VII)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The hours of operation for each ballot dropoff location.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(VIII)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The security and contingency plans that would be implemented by the county elections official to do both of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ia)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Prevent a disruption of the vote center process.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(ib)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Ensure that the election is properly conducted if a disruption occurs.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(IX)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The number of election board members and the number of bilingual election board members and the languages spoken.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(X)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The services provided to voters with disabilities, including, but not limited to, the type and number of accessible voting machines and reasonable modifications at each vote center.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(XI)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The design, layout, and placement of equipment inside each vote center that protects each voter’s right to cast a private and independent ballot.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(vii)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>A toll-free voter assistance hotline that is accessible to voters who are deaf or hard of hearing, and that is maintained by the county elections official that is operational no later than days before the day of the election until p.m. on the day after the election.

The toll-free voter assistance hotline shall provide assistance to voters in all languages in which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance under subdivision (

a) of

Section and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C.

Sec. 10101 et seq.).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(J)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this

section is posted in a format that is accessible to persons with disabilities on the internet website of the Secretary of State and on the internet website of the county elections official.</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(b)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Notwithstanding

Section or any other law, any county may conduct a special election as an all-mailed ballot election under this

section if all of the following apply:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(1)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>The county elections official has done either of the following:</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(A)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Previously conducted an election as an all-mailed ballot election in accordance with subdivision (a).</xhtml:p><xhtml:p>(B)<xhtml:span class="EnSpace"/>Adopted a final plan for the administration of elections pursuant to clause (

i) of subparag