Relative to vote by mail and the November 3, 2020, general election.
The resolution is a direct response to the pandemic's limitations on in-person activities. It highlights how the federal administration's underfunding of the United States Postal Service could compromise the election process by creating barriers to mail delivery of ballots. AR105 urges the federal government to provide adequate support to uphold election integrity and facilitate the timely delivery of ballots, thus reinforcing the right to vote without risking public health.
Assembly Resolution 105 (AR105), introduced by Assembly Member Jones-Sawyer, addresses the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the voting process for the upcoming November 3, 2020 general election. The resolution emphasizes the importance of providing vote by mail options to ensure public safety and preserve voter rights. By mandating that all registered voters in California receive a mail-in ballot, AR105 aims to facilitate an accessible voting process and reduce the potential spread of the virus in polling places.
Key points of contention arise from the concerns regarding the reliance on mail-in voting and the logistical challenges posed by the pandemic. Critics argue that any disruptions to the Postal Service, such as the removal of mailboxes and sorting facilities, could disproportionately impact communities of color and lead to disenfranchisement. The resolution seeks to address these issues by urging the restoration of postal services to ensure a fair voting process during a crisis, fostering a debate on the balance between public health and electoral integrity.