Amended IN Senate April 03, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 408Introduced by Senator Choi(Coauthor: Senator Alvarado-Gil)(Coauthors: Senators Alvarado-Gil and Ochoa Bogh)February 14, 2025An act to amend Sections 2222, 2223, and 2224 Section 2222 of the Elections Code, relating to elections.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 408, as amended, Choi. Voter registration: residency confirmation.Existing law requires a county elections official to take various actions to confirm voters residency, including by, among other things, mailing a postcard to each registered voter of the county. As an alternative to mailing a postcard to each registered voter of the county, existing law authorizes the Secretary of State or the county elections official to contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data. As another alternative to mailing a postcard to each registered voter of the county, existing law authorizes the county elections official to include the return address of the county elections officials office on the outside portion of the county voter information guide or county voter information guide envelope mailed to the voter for an election conducted within the last 6 months preceding the start of the confirmation process. In the event a voter has not voted in an election within the preceding 4 years, and the voters information, including residence address, has not been updated during that time, the county elections official may send an alternate residency postcard to the voter, as specified.This bill would instead require the Secretary of State or the county elections official, in addition to mailing a residency a postcard to each registered voter of the county, to contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data. The bill would also require the county elections official, in addition to mailing a residency a postcard to each registered voter of the county, to include the return address of the county elections officials office on the outside portion of the county voter information guide or county voter information guide envelope mailed to the voter for an election conducted within the last 6 months preceding the start of the confirmation process. The bill would further require the county elections official to mail an alternative residency postcard to each registered voter if they have not voted in an election within the previous 4 years, and if their residence address, name, or party preference has not been updated during that time.By requiring county elections officials to provide a higher level or service, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 2222 of the Elections Code is amended to read:2222. In addition to mailing a residency confirmation postcard, as prescribed in subdivision (a) of Section 2220, the Secretary of State or a county elections official shall contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data, such as the National Change of Address System (NCOA) and Operation Mail. The data received by the Secretary of State pursuant to this section shall be shared with county elections officials through the statewide voter registration database.SEC. 2.Section 2223 of the Elections Code is amended to read:2223.(a)In addition to mailing a residency confirmation postcard to each registered voter in the county, the county elections official shall include the return address of the county elections officials office on the outside portion of the county voter information guide or county voter information guide envelope mailed to the voter for an election conducted within the last six months preceding the start of the confirmation process, along with the statements Address Correction Requested and Notice: If the person named on the county voter information guide is not at the address, please help keep the voter rolls current and save taxpayer dollars by returning this county voter information guide to your mail carrier.(b)A voter not eligible for an election during the last six months preceding the start of the confirmation process, or a voter not mailed a county voter information guide with an address correction requested, shall have their address confirmed by either a residency confirmation postcard or an address verification mailing conducted pursuant to this article using NCOA/Operation Mail data pursuant to Section 2222 or consumer credit reporting agency data pursuant to Section 2227.SEC. 3.Section 2224 of the Elections Code is amended to read:2224.(a)If a voter has not voted in an election within the preceding four years, and the voters residence address, name, or party preference has not been updated during that time, the county elections official shall send an alternate residency confirmation postcard. The use of this postcard may be sent subsequent to NCOA or county voter information guide returns, but shall not be used in the residency confirmation process conducted under Section 2220. The postcard shall be forwardable, including a postage-paid and preaddressed return form to enable the voter to verify or correct the address information, and shall be in substantially the following form:If the person named on the postcard is not at this address, PLEASE help keep the voter rolls current and save taxpayer dollars by returning this postcard to your mail carrier.IMPORTANT NOTICEAccording to our records you have not voted in any election during the past four years, which may indicate that you no longer reside in ____ County. If you continue to reside in California you must confirm your residency address in order to remain on the active voter list and receive election materials in the mail.If confirmation has not been received within 15 days, you may be required to provide proof of your residence address in order to vote at future elections.(b)The use of a toll-free number to confirm the old residence address is optional. A change to a voters address shall be received in writing.(c)A county using the alternate residency confirmation procedure shall notify all voters of the procedure in the county voter information guide or in a separate mailing.(d)This section shall become inoperative on January 1, 2020, and, as of January 1, 2029, is repealed.SEC. 4.SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
Amended IN Senate April 03, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 408Introduced by Senator Choi(Coauthor: Senator Alvarado-Gil)(Coauthors: Senators Alvarado-Gil and Ochoa Bogh)February 14, 2025An act to amend Sections 2222, 2223, and 2224 Section 2222 of the Elections Code, relating to elections.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 408, as amended, Choi. Voter registration: residency confirmation.Existing law requires a county elections official to take various actions to confirm voters residency, including by, among other things, mailing a postcard to each registered voter of the county. As an alternative to mailing a postcard to each registered voter of the county, existing law authorizes the Secretary of State or the county elections official to contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data. As another alternative to mailing a postcard to each registered voter of the county, existing law authorizes the county elections official to include the return address of the county elections officials office on the outside portion of the county voter information guide or county voter information guide envelope mailed to the voter for an election conducted within the last 6 months preceding the start of the confirmation process. In the event a voter has not voted in an election within the preceding 4 years, and the voters information, including residence address, has not been updated during that time, the county elections official may send an alternate residency postcard to the voter, as specified.This bill would instead require the Secretary of State or the county elections official, in addition to mailing a residency a postcard to each registered voter of the county, to contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data. The bill would also require the county elections official, in addition to mailing a residency a postcard to each registered voter of the county, to include the return address of the county elections officials office on the outside portion of the county voter information guide or county voter information guide envelope mailed to the voter for an election conducted within the last 6 months preceding the start of the confirmation process. The bill would further require the county elections official to mail an alternative residency postcard to each registered voter if they have not voted in an election within the previous 4 years, and if their residence address, name, or party preference has not been updated during that time.By requiring county elections officials to provide a higher level or service, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
Amended IN Senate April 03, 2025
Amended IN Senate April 03, 2025
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Senate Bill
No. 408
Introduced by Senator Choi(Coauthor: Senator Alvarado-Gil)(Coauthors: Senators Alvarado-Gil and Ochoa Bogh)February 14, 2025
Introduced by Senator Choi(Coauthor: Senator Alvarado-Gil)(Coauthors: Senators Alvarado-Gil and Ochoa Bogh)
February 14, 2025
An act to amend Sections 2222, 2223, and 2224 Section 2222 of the Elections Code, relating to elections.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 408, as amended, Choi. Voter registration: residency confirmation.
Existing law requires a county elections official to take various actions to confirm voters residency, including by, among other things, mailing a postcard to each registered voter of the county. As an alternative to mailing a postcard to each registered voter of the county, existing law authorizes the Secretary of State or the county elections official to contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data. As another alternative to mailing a postcard to each registered voter of the county, existing law authorizes the county elections official to include the return address of the county elections officials office on the outside portion of the county voter information guide or county voter information guide envelope mailed to the voter for an election conducted within the last 6 months preceding the start of the confirmation process. In the event a voter has not voted in an election within the preceding 4 years, and the voters information, including residence address, has not been updated during that time, the county elections official may send an alternate residency postcard to the voter, as specified.This bill would instead require the Secretary of State or the county elections official, in addition to mailing a residency a postcard to each registered voter of the county, to contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data. The bill would also require the county elections official, in addition to mailing a residency a postcard to each registered voter of the county, to include the return address of the county elections officials office on the outside portion of the county voter information guide or county voter information guide envelope mailed to the voter for an election conducted within the last 6 months preceding the start of the confirmation process. The bill would further require the county elections official to mail an alternative residency postcard to each registered voter if they have not voted in an election within the previous 4 years, and if their residence address, name, or party preference has not been updated during that time.By requiring county elections officials to provide a higher level or service, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law requires a county elections official to take various actions to confirm voters residency, including by, among other things, mailing a postcard to each registered voter of the county. As an alternative to mailing a postcard to each registered voter of the county, existing law authorizes the Secretary of State or the county elections official to contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data. As another alternative to mailing a postcard to each registered voter of the county, existing law authorizes the county elections official to include the return address of the county elections officials office on the outside portion of the county voter information guide or county voter information guide envelope mailed to the voter for an election conducted within the last 6 months preceding the start of the confirmation process. In the event a voter has not voted in an election within the preceding 4 years, and the voters information, including residence address, has not been updated during that time, the county elections official may send an alternate residency postcard to the voter, as specified.
This bill would instead require the Secretary of State or the county elections official, in addition to mailing a residency a postcard to each registered voter of the county, to contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data. The bill would also require the county elections official, in addition to mailing a residency a postcard to each registered voter of the county, to include the return address of the county elections officials office on the outside portion of the county voter information guide or county voter information guide envelope mailed to the voter for an election conducted within the last 6 months preceding the start of the confirmation process. The bill would further require the county elections official to mail an alternative residency postcard to each registered voter if they have not voted in an election within the previous 4 years, and if their residence address, name, or party preference has not been updated during that time.
By requiring county elections officials to provide a higher level or service, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 2222 of the Elections Code is amended to read:2222. In addition to mailing a residency confirmation postcard, as prescribed in subdivision (a) of Section 2220, the Secretary of State or a county elections official shall contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data, such as the National Change of Address System (NCOA) and Operation Mail. The data received by the Secretary of State pursuant to this section shall be shared with county elections officials through the statewide voter registration database.SEC. 2.Section 2223 of the Elections Code is amended to read:2223.(a)In addition to mailing a residency confirmation postcard to each registered voter in the county, the county elections official shall include the return address of the county elections officials office on the outside portion of the county voter information guide or county voter information guide envelope mailed to the voter for an election conducted within the last six months preceding the start of the confirmation process, along with the statements Address Correction Requested and Notice: If the person named on the county voter information guide is not at the address, please help keep the voter rolls current and save taxpayer dollars by returning this county voter information guide to your mail carrier.(b)A voter not eligible for an election during the last six months preceding the start of the confirmation process, or a voter not mailed a county voter information guide with an address correction requested, shall have their address confirmed by either a residency confirmation postcard or an address verification mailing conducted pursuant to this article using NCOA/Operation Mail data pursuant to Section 2222 or consumer credit reporting agency data pursuant to Section 2227.SEC. 3.Section 2224 of the Elections Code is amended to read:2224.(a)If a voter has not voted in an election within the preceding four years, and the voters residence address, name, or party preference has not been updated during that time, the county elections official shall send an alternate residency confirmation postcard. The use of this postcard may be sent subsequent to NCOA or county voter information guide returns, but shall not be used in the residency confirmation process conducted under Section 2220. The postcard shall be forwardable, including a postage-paid and preaddressed return form to enable the voter to verify or correct the address information, and shall be in substantially the following form:If the person named on the postcard is not at this address, PLEASE help keep the voter rolls current and save taxpayer dollars by returning this postcard to your mail carrier.IMPORTANT NOTICEAccording to our records you have not voted in any election during the past four years, which may indicate that you no longer reside in ____ County. If you continue to reside in California you must confirm your residency address in order to remain on the active voter list and receive election materials in the mail.If confirmation has not been received within 15 days, you may be required to provide proof of your residence address in order to vote at future elections.(b)The use of a toll-free number to confirm the old residence address is optional. A change to a voters address shall be received in writing.(c)A county using the alternate residency confirmation procedure shall notify all voters of the procedure in the county voter information guide or in a separate mailing.(d)This section shall become inoperative on January 1, 2020, and, as of January 1, 2029, is repealed.SEC. 4.SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 2222 of the Elections Code is amended to read:2222. In addition to mailing a residency confirmation postcard, as prescribed in subdivision (a) of Section 2220, the Secretary of State or a county elections official shall contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data, such as the National Change of Address System (NCOA) and Operation Mail. The data received by the Secretary of State pursuant to this section shall be shared with county elections officials through the statewide voter registration database.
SECTION 1. Section 2222 of the Elections Code is amended to read:
### SECTION 1.
2222. In addition to mailing a residency confirmation postcard, as prescribed in subdivision (a) of Section 2220, the Secretary of State or a county elections official shall contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data, such as the National Change of Address System (NCOA) and Operation Mail. The data received by the Secretary of State pursuant to this section shall be shared with county elections officials through the statewide voter registration database.
2222. In addition to mailing a residency confirmation postcard, as prescribed in subdivision (a) of Section 2220, the Secretary of State or a county elections official shall contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data, such as the National Change of Address System (NCOA) and Operation Mail. The data received by the Secretary of State pursuant to this section shall be shared with county elections officials through the statewide voter registration database.
2222. In addition to mailing a residency confirmation postcard, as prescribed in subdivision (a) of Section 2220, the Secretary of State or a county elections official shall contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data, such as the National Change of Address System (NCOA) and Operation Mail. The data received by the Secretary of State pursuant to this section shall be shared with county elections officials through the statewide voter registration database.
2222. In addition to mailing a residency confirmation postcard, as prescribed in subdivision (a) of Section 2220, the Secretary of State or a county elections official shall contract with the United States Postal Service or its licensees to obtain use of postal service change-of-address data, such as the National Change of Address System (NCOA) and Operation Mail. The data received by the Secretary of State pursuant to this section shall be shared with county elections officials through the statewide voter registration database.
(a)In addition to mailing a residency confirmation postcard to each registered voter in the county, the county elections official shall include the return address of the county elections officials office on the outside portion of the county voter information guide or county voter information guide envelope mailed to the voter for an election conducted within the last six months preceding the start of the confirmation process, along with the statements Address Correction Requested and Notice: If the person named on the county voter information guide is not at the address, please help keep the voter rolls current and save taxpayer dollars by returning this county voter information guide to your mail carrier.
(b)A voter not eligible for an election during the last six months preceding the start of the confirmation process, or a voter not mailed a county voter information guide with an address correction requested, shall have their address confirmed by either a residency confirmation postcard or an address verification mailing conducted pursuant to this article using NCOA/Operation Mail data pursuant to Section 2222 or consumer credit reporting agency data pursuant to Section 2227.
(a)If a voter has not voted in an election within the preceding four years, and the voters residence address, name, or party preference has not been updated during that time, the county elections official shall send an alternate residency confirmation postcard. The use of this postcard may be sent subsequent to NCOA or county voter information guide returns, but shall not be used in the residency confirmation process conducted under Section 2220. The postcard shall be forwardable, including a postage-paid and preaddressed return form to enable the voter to verify or correct the address information, and shall be in substantially the following form:
If the person named on the postcard is not at this address, PLEASE help keep the voter rolls current and save taxpayer dollars by returning this postcard to your mail carrier.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
According to our records you have not voted in any election during the past four years, which may indicate that you no longer reside in ____ County. If you continue to reside in California you must confirm your residency address in order to remain on the active voter list and receive election materials in the mail.
If confirmation has not been received within 15 days, you may be required to provide proof of your residence address in order to vote at future elections.
(b)The use of a toll-free number to confirm the old residence address is optional. A change to a voters address shall be received in writing.
(c)A county using the alternate residency confirmation procedure shall notify all voters of the procedure in the county voter information guide or in a separate mailing.
(d)This section shall become inoperative on January 1, 2020, and, as of January 1, 2029, is repealed.
SEC. 4.SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 4.SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 4.SEC. 2. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
### SEC. 4.SEC. 2.