Bill > SB335

This bill modifies California's election laws, primarily focusing on changing how vote-by-mail ballots are handled and removing previous provisions related to all-mailed ballot elections. The key changes include replacing the requirement for county elections officials to automatically mail ballots to all registered voters with a system where voters must request vote-by-mail ballots, establishing a new process for becoming a permanent vote-by-mail voter, and removing previous provisions that allowed counties to conduct all-mailed ballot elections. Specifically, the bill creates a new chapter in the Elections Code that allows voters to apply for permanent vote-by-mail status, which means they will automatically receive a mail ballot for each election. Voters on this permanent list will remain so unless they fail to return a ballot in four consecutive statewide general elections, at which point they will be removed from the list. The bill also repeals several sections of existing law related to vote centers and all-mailed ballot elections, effectively rolling back previous election administration reforms. The changes aim to provide more flexibility in voting methods while maintaining voter access, and the bill includes provisions to ensure that if the state mandates new local election procedures, those additional costs will be reimbursed to local agencies.

Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB335