Bill > AB1461

This bill establishes the California New Motor Voter Program, which will automatically register eligible individuals to vote when they obtain or renew a driver's license or state identification card, or when they change their address with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV will electronically transmit the necessary information to the Secretary of State, and this information will serve as a voter registration affidavit unless the individual opts out of registering. The program aims to increase voter participation by simplifying the registration process, and it includes provisions to protect the confidentiality of voter information and outlines penalties for unauthorized disclosure. Importantly, if someone ineligible to vote is registered through this program without their fault, their registration will be presumed official, and they will not be guilty of fraudulent voting unless they knowingly vote despite their ineligibility. The Secretary of State is tasked with creating regulations to implement and oversee this program, including an outreach campaign.