California Assembly Bill AB2605

California 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/24
• Refer: 3/4/24

Caption

Certification of voting systems.

Impact

The effect of AB 2605 on state laws includes a clear directive for the Secretary of State to improve the accessibility of documentation related to the certification of voting systems. This change seeks to ensure that all interested parties, including voters and election officials, have timely access to important information regarding the technologies used in state elections. This increased accessibility has the potential to strengthen public trust in the electoral process by reducing uncertainties regarding the integrity and reliability of voting systems.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2605, introduced by Assembly Member Essayli, aims to enhance transparency and public access to the certification of voting systems in California. This legislation amends Section 19214 of the Elections Code to mandate that the Secretary of State not only certifies and conditionally approves voting systems but also makes available a complete copy of the certification report and associated documentation within 10 days of a certification decision. The bill emphasizes making this information easily accessible on the Secretary of State's website, thereby promoting greater public oversight of election processes.

Contention

While AB 2605 is designed to bolster transparency, it may also raise concerns regarding the confidentiality of certain proprietary aspects of the voting systems. The bill allows for the withholding of documentation deemed confidential or proprietary by the Secretary of State, which might lead to debates about what information should be publicly disclosed. Critics may argue that these exceptions could undermine the bill's intent to provide comprehensive visibility into the election system's certification process. Balancing the need for transparency with the protection of sensitive information will be a key point of contention as the bill progresses through the legislative process.