Elections: vote by mail ballot drop-off locations.
The bill imposes a state-mandated local program upon counties, requiring them to adapt their election infrastructure to accommodate these additional drop-off locations. It leverages existing law, which already stipulates certain drop-off locations based on county populations, and reinforces the emphasis on increased voter participation through improved accessibility. The implications for state law include a possible increase in costs associated with these new requirements, which the state constitution obligates to reimburse local agencies and schools for, should these costs be deemed mandated by the state.
Assembly Bill No. 2815, introduced by Assemblymember Berman, adds Section 3025.7 to the Elections Code, specifically pertaining to the enhancement of vote by mail ballot drop-off locations in California. The bill mandates that counties conducting statewide primaries or general elections, whether as all-mailed ballot elections or otherwise, must establish additional ballot drop-off sites on the main campuses of California State Universities (CSUs) within their jurisdiction. Upon request, they must also seek authorization to use ballot drop-off locations on University of California (UC) campuses. This expansion aims to facilitate easier access to voting for students and others in these communities.
The overall sentiment towards AB 2815 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for increased voter accessibility and participation. The bill is seen as a proactive step towards ensuring that voting is accessible to a broader base of the electorate, especially among students who may face challenges in voting due to logistical issues. While some concerns may exist regarding the financial burden on local governments, the general sentiment among proponents emphasizes the importance of facilitating democratic participation over potential cost implications.
Notable points of contention center around the mandate placed on local agencies to provide these additional drop-off locations, which some critics may argue could strain local resources or complicate the logistical aspects of election management. Despite these concerns, supporters maintain that enhancing voter access is essential, particularly in urban areas with high student populations. The bill thus represents a balance between improving voter accessibility and managing the operational costs associated with local election administrations.