California Assembly Bill AB1036

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/19
• Refer: 3/7/19
• Report Pass: 4/1/19
• Refer: 4/3/19
• Refer: 5/8/19
• Report Pass: 5/21/19
• Engrossed: 5/29/19
• Refer: 5/30/19
• Refer: 6/12/19
• Report Pass: 7/2/19
• Refer: 7/2/19
• Report Pass: 8/12/19
• Refer: 8/13/19
• Refer: 8/19/19
• Report Pass: 8/30/19
• Enrolled: 9/9/19
• Vetoed: 10/13/19

Caption

Elections: civic outreach and voter engagement.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws relating to elections by requiring counties to conduct structured voter outreach programs aimed at increasing registration rates, particularly among youth. It mandates that each county design and implement programs to identify and register qualified voters who are not registered, thereby creating legal obligations and facilitating the involvement of educational institutions in electoral processes. This initiative aligns with the state’s goals of improving voter turnout and ensuring broader representation in elections.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1036, introduced by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry, aims to enhance voter registration and civic engagement among young people in California. The bill establishes the High School Voter Education Pilot Program in Yolo County, which allows the Yolo County Elections Office and Yolo County Office of Education to conduct mock student government elections at local high schools. The initiative seeks to provide students with practical voting experiences, using the same standards and voting technology as real elections, fostering early civic involvement.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding AB 1036 is positive, especially among proponents of increased youth participation in the electoral process. Supporters believe that engaging students early will lead to increased voter turnout in future elections. However, there may be some contention regarding the allocation of resources for these programs and whether the state's involvement in educational settings undermines local independence in managing election procedures.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from local officials about the implications of mandated programs that require periodic updates and evaluations, potentially leading to additional administrative burdens. Furthermore, critics may question the effectiveness of mock elections in genuinely fostering civic engagement, advocating instead for broader, more systemic changes in how voter education is approached at all levels of schooling.