Elections: vote by mail ballots.
The legislation aims to prevent potential abuses and ensure that voter designatees are accountable. It establishes penalties for non-compliance, including fines for infractions and permanent revocation of a person's ability to register if they commit multiple offenses. This change is intended to enhance public confidence in the mail voting process and support the fundamentals of electoral integrity throughout the state.
Senate Bill 1124, introduced by Senator Borgeas, aims to enhance the integrity of vote by mail voting in California by establishing new regulations for individuals designated to return ballots for voters. The bill amends existing election laws and adds provisions to the Elections Code. It requires individuals who collect and return mail ballots for others, except immediate family members, to register with the Secretary of State. This registration must include specific personal information, and registerees must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years old.
Notably, SB 1124 stipulates that the registered individuals must provide receipts to voters and prohibits any form of compensation for returning ballots, thus preventing any potential conflicts of interest or inducements. The bill has been perceived as a necessary measure by its proponents to safeguard elections against fraudulent activities while critics argue it may impose an unnecessary burden on voters needing assistance in returning their votes, especially among certain vulnerable populations.