Elections: voter registration information: elected officials and candidates.
Impact
The bill will impose new responsibilities on county elections officials. They will be required to maintain a confidential list of elected officials and candidates, ensuring that their contact information is kept private and excluded from public lists, rosters, or indexes. This enhancement of confidentiality could lead to significant changes in how voter registration information is managed and accessed, requiring additional systems and procedures to support this mandate. The bill may also create a state-mandated local program that could involve fiscal implications for local agencies.
Summary
Assembly Bill 1392, introduced by Assembly Members Sharp-Collins and Flora, aims to amend various sections of the Elections Code regarding the confidentiality of voter registration information for elected officials and candidates. The bill establishes that the residence address, telephone number, and email address of federal, state, and local elected officials or candidates will be exempt from the existing requirement that this information can be disclosed for certain election-related purposes. Instead, this information will be treated as confidential under specified conditions, aimed primarily at enhancing the safety of those in public office.
Sentiment
The sentiment around AB 1392 appears to be cautious yet supportive among those prioritizing the safety of elected officials and candidates. Proponents argue that this measure is necessary in today's climate where public officials face increasing threats. However, there may be concerns regarding the potential impact on transparency and public access to information, as critics could view the shift towards confidentiality as a reduction in public oversight of election processes.
Contention
Notable points of contention could arise from the perception that this bill limits public access to information that is typically available under current law. Critics may argue that heightened confidentiality for elected officials and candidates could reduce accountability and oversight by the electorate. There could also be discussions surrounding the implications of defining 'journalistic purposes' for potential disclosures, leading to possible interpretations that either broaden or restrict access under the new provisions.