Confidentiality of voter information: cognitively impaired individuals.
Impact
By adding Section 2166.9 to the California Elections Code, AB 919 expands the responsibilities of county elections officials regarding the processing and handling of confidential voter information. It mandates that these officials exclude individuals granted confidential voter status from any publicly available voter lists, rosters, or indexes. This change signifies a proactive step towards safeguarding the privacy of vulnerable populations while simultaneously increasing the administrative workloads for local election offices tasked with managing these requests.
Summary
Assembly Bill 919, introduced by Assembly Member Lowenthal, aims to enhance the confidentiality of voter information for individuals with cognitive impairments, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This bill permits an individual holding power of attorney for a person with a cognitive impairment to request that their voter registration information, including residence address, phone number, and email address, be kept confidential. This application must include a signed statement certifying the cognitive condition of the individual in question, ensuring that proper legal procedures are followed in protecting their privacy.
Contention
While the bill aims to protect individuals with cognitive impairments, the implications of increased duties on county elections officials raise potential concerns regarding resource allocations and the management of such confidential information. Additionally, although the bill avoids requiring reimbursements for specific mandated costs, it specifies that local agencies may still seek compensation if proven excessively burdensome. The need for clarity and consistency in these areas remains a topic of discussion among lawmakers, particularly regarding the capacity of local entities to manage these new requirements without incurring undue stress on their operations.