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<ns0:ActionText>FILED</ns0:ActionText>
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<ns0:SessionYear>2025</ns0:SessionYear>
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<ns0:AuthorText authorType="LEAD_AUTHOR">Introduced by Senator Cervantes</ns0:AuthorText>
<ns0:AuthorText authorType="PRINCIPAL_COAUTHOR_OPPOSITE">(Principal coauthor: Assembly Member Berman)</ns0:AuthorText>
<ns0:Authors>
<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>LEAD_AUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Cervantes</ns0:Name>
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<ns0:Legislator>
<ns0:Contribution>PRINCIPAL_COAUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
<ns0:House>ASSEMBLY</ns0:House>
<ns0:Name>Berman</ns0:Name>
</ns0:Legislator>
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<ns0:Title>An act to amend Sections 3011, 3019, 15104, and 15306 of the Elections Code, relating to elections.</ns0:Title>
<ns0:RelatingClause>elections</ns0:RelatingClause>
<ns0:GeneralSubject>
<ns0:Subject>Elections: signature verification and results.</ns0:Subject>
</ns0:GeneralSubject>
<ns0:DigestText>
<html:p>Existing law requires an elections official, upon receiving a vote by mail ballot, to compare the signature on the identification envelope with either the signature appearing on the voter’s affidavit or other signature appearing on a form that is part of the voter’s registration record. Existing law prohibits an elections official from reviewing or considering a voter’s party preference, race, or ethnicity when comparing signatures. Existing law requires an elections official, if it is determined that the signatures do not compare, to notify the voter of the opportunity to verify the voter’s signature, as specified. Existing law prohibits an elections official from rejecting a vote by mail ballot with signatures that do not compare if the voter delivers a signature verification statement and the signature on the verification statement compares with the signature on file in the voter’s
record. Existing law prohibits an elections official from rejecting a vote by mail ballot with an unsigned identification envelope if, no later than 5 p.m. two days prior to the election, the voter signs the envelope at the office of the elections official or completes and submits an unsigned identification envelope statement, as specified.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would additionally prohibit an elections official, when comparing signatures, from considering a voter’s identifying information, including gender, name, and address, and the amount of time spent reviewing a signature. The bill would require an elections official to notify the voter when the signatures do not compare after a specified determination is made that the signatures differ. The bill would authorize a voter to work with a nongovernmental entity to complete a signature verification statement and unsigned envelope statement. The bill would require a signature verification statement and unsigned envelope statement
to contain a statement that the county elections official is required to compare the voter’s signature with the signatures appearing in the voter’s registration record, which may include the signature appearing on the voter’s driver’s license or state identification card. The bill would require the Secretary of State to publish on their internet website a single, combined vote by mail ballot signature verification statement and unsigned ballot identification envelope statement. The bill would require an elections official to accept a form for a signature verification statement or unsigned ballot identification envelope statement if the form was developed by the Secretary of State or an elections official, but would prohibit an elections official from accepting a form created by any other individual, organization, or entity.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing law permits a member of the county grand jury, and at least one member each of the Republican county central committee, the Democratic
county central committee, and of any other party with a candidate on the ballot, and any other interested organization, to observe and challenge the manner in which vote by mail ballots are handled. Existing law requires these individuals be allowed sufficiently close access to enable them to observe the vote by mail ballot return envelopes and the signatures thereon and challenge whether established procedures are being followed for, among other things, verifying signatures on the vote by mail return envelopes.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would additionally allow vote by mail observers to observe and challenge the manner in which those individuals handling vote by mail ballots are following procedures for verifying signatures on signature verification statements and unsigned envelope statements.</html:p>
<html:p>Existing law requires elections officials, beginning no later than the Thursday following an election, to post updated information regarding an
election on their internet website at least once per week until publication of the certified statement of results or until the only ballots left to count are vote by mail ballots for which a voter has the opportunity either to verify or provide their signature. Existing law requires the information at a minimum include updated results for any candidate for office or measure appearing on the ballot, the number of ballots processed and an estimated number of outstanding unprocessed ballots, according to specified categories, and the date and time when it is expected that the next results will be posted.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would instead require an elections official, beginning no later than the Thursday following an election, to post updated information regarding the election on their internet website at least two times by the following Thursday and at least twice a week thereafter until publication of the certified statement of results or until the only ballots left to count
are vote by mail ballots for which a voter has the opportunity either to verify or provide their signature. The bill would revise the categories for reporting the number of ballots processed and estimated number of outstanding ballots remaining unprocessed. The bill would require the date and time when it is expected that the next results will be posted to be on the homepage of an elections official’s internet website or on the stand-alone webpage for the specific election on an elections official’s internet website. The bill would specify that posting a hyperlink to a separate file does not satisfy the requirements of these provisions.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 3019 of the Elections Code proposed by AB 827 to be operative only if this bill and AB 827 are enacted and this bill is enacted last.</html:p>
<html:p>This bill would incorporate additional changes to
Section 15104 of the Elections Code proposed by AB 16 to be operative only if this bill and AB 16 are enacted and this bill is enacted last.</html:p>
<html:p>By imposing new duties on local elections officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.</html:p>
<html:p>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.</html:p>
<html:p>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.</html:p>
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<ns0:VoteRequired>MAJORITY</ns0:VoteRequired>
<ns0:Appropriation>NO</ns0:Appropriation>
<ns0:FiscalCommittee>YES</ns0:FiscalCommittee>
<ns0:LocalProgram>YES</ns0:LocalProgram>
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<ns0:ImmediateEffect>NO</ns0:ImmediateEffect>
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<ns0:Urgency>NO</ns0:Urgency>
<ns0:TaxLevy>NO</ns0:TaxLevy>
<ns0:Election>NO</ns0:Election>
<ns0:UsualCurrentExpenses>NO</ns0:UsualCurrentExpenses>
<ns0:BudgetBill>NO</ns0:BudgetBill>
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<ns0:Bill id="bill">
<ns0:Preamble>The people of the State of California do enact as follows:</ns0:Preamble>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_024C7096-8F5D-4C04-802A-1772AAA0F1FB">
<ns0:Num>SECTION 1.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:ActionLine action="IS_AMENDED" ns3:href="urn:caml:codes:ELEC:caml#xpointer(%2Fcaml%3ALawDoc%2Fcaml%3ACode%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'DIVISION'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'3.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'CHAPTER'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'1.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawSection%5Bcaml%3ANum%3D'3011.'%5D)" ns3:label="fractionType: LAW_SECTION" ns3:type="locator">
Section 3011 of the
<ns0:DocName>Elections Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:Num>3011.</ns0:Num>
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<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The identification envelope shall contain all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A declaration, under penalty of perjury, stating that the voter resides within the precinct in which the voter is voting and is the person whose name appears on the envelope.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The signature of the voter.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The residence address of the voter as shown on the affidavit of registration.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The date of signing.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(5)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A notice that the envelope contains an official ballot and is to be opened only by the canvassing board.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(6)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A warning plainly stamped or printed on it that voting twice constitutes a crime.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(7)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A warning plainly stamped or printed on it that the voter must sign the envelope in the voter’s own handwriting in order for the ballot to be counted.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(8)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A statement that the voter has neither voted nor intends to vote a ballot from any other jurisdiction for the same election.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(9)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The name and signature of the person authorized by the voter to return the vote by mail ballot pursuant to Section 3017.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(10)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A statement next to where the voter signs that the county elections official is required to compare the voter’s signature appearing on the identification envelope with the signatures appearing in the
voter’s registration record, which may include the signature appearing on the voter’s driver’s license or state identification card.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Except at a primary election for partisan office, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the voter’s party preference may not be stamped or printed on the identification envelope.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding paragraph (9) of subdivision (a), a ballot shall not be disqualified solely because the person authorized to return it did not provide on the identification envelope their name or signature.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
County elections officials may continue to use existing supplies prior to printing new identification envelopes that reflect the changes made to this section by the act adding this subdivision.
</html:p>
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<ns0:BillSection id="id_B9B8C0EA-8B16-4DC2-8C8A-4D85199EBCDB">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 2.</ns0:Num>
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Section 3019 of the
<ns0:DocName>Elections Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:LawSection id="id_62A56F27-E051-4459-B1DC-2B9D0EAB2124">
<ns0:Num>3019.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_ADD9A77D-E9F7-40F2-9CF2-D4BF7843F542">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Upon receiving a vote by mail ballot, the elections official shall compare the signature on the identification envelope with either of the following to determine if the signatures compare:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The signature appearing on the voter’s affidavit of registration or any previous affidavit of registration of the voter.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The signature appearing on a form issued by an elections official that contains the voter’s signature and that is part of the voter’s registration record.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
All of the following apply to the comparison of signatures pursuant to this section, including the comparison of a voter’s signature on a
signature verification statement, an unsigned identification envelope statement, or a combined vote by mail ballot signature verification statement and unsigned identification envelope statement, with the signature that is part of the voter’s registration record:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A presumption exists that the signature on the identification envelope, signature verification statement, unsigned identification envelope statement, or provisional ballot envelope is the voter’s signature and that the vote will be counted.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An exact match is not required for an elections official to determine that a voter’s signature is valid. The fact that signatures share similar characteristics is sufficient to determine that a signature is valid.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the elections official shall consider explanations for
discrepancies between signatures that are specified in regulations promulgated by the Secretary of State. For purposes of this subparagraph, explanations include a variation in signature style over time and the haste with which a signature is written.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
When comparing signatures, an elections official shall not review or consider any of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A voter’s party preference, race, or ethnicity.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A voter’s identifying information including gender, name, or address, except to confirm the identity of the voter.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The amount of time spent reviewing a signature.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(E)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The elections official may consider characteristics of the written signature that are specified in regulations
promulgated by the Secretary of State. For purposes of this subparagraph, characteristics include the slant of the signature, letter formation, and whether the signature is printed or written in cursive.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(F)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The elections official may use facsimiles of voters’ signatures, provided that the method of preparing and displaying the facsimiles complies with the law.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(G)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
In comparing signatures pursuant to this section, an elections official may use signature verification technology. If signature verification technology determines that the signatures do not compare, the signature is subject to the additional procedures described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (c).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(H)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The variation of a signature caused by the substitution of initials for the first or middle name, or both, is not grounds for the elections official to
determine that the signatures do not compare.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(I)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A signature made using a mark such as an “X,” or made by a signature stamp, shall be presumed valid and shall be accepted if the signature meets the requirements of Section 354.5.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If upon conducting the comparison of signatures pursuant to subdivision (a) the elections official determines that the signatures compare, the elections official shall deposit the ballot, still in the identification envelope, in a ballot container in the elections official’s office.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If upon conducting the comparison of signatures pursuant to subdivision (a) the elections official determines that the signature possesses multiple, significant, and obvious differing characteristics when compared to all signatures in the voter’s registration record, the
signature is subject to the additional procedures described in paragraph (2).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If the elections official makes the determination described in paragraph (1), the signature shall be rejected only if two additional elections officials each find beyond a reasonable doubt that the signature differs in multiple, significant, and obvious respects from all signatures in the voter’s registration record. If the officials determine that the signatures do not compare, the identification envelope shall not be opened and the ballot shall not be counted. The elections official shall write the cause of the rejection on the face of the identification envelope only after completing the procedures described in subdivision (d).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Except as provided in subparagraph (E), on or before the next business day after a determination pursuant to
paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) that a voter’s signature does not compare pursuant to subdivision (c), but not later than eight days prior to the certification of the election, the elections official shall send by first-class mail notice to the voter of the opportunity to verify the voter’s signature no later than 5 p.m. two days prior to the certification of the election. The notice shall include a return envelope, with postage paid, for the voter to return a signature verification statement.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If an elections official has a telephone number or email address on file for a voter whose signature does not compare pursuant to subdivision (c), the elections official shall notify the voter by telephone, a text message, or email of the opportunity to verify the voter’s signature. If an elections official calls the voter and the voter does not answer, the elections official shall attempt to leave a voicemail message.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Unless required pursuant to Section 3026, the elections official may send additional written notices to a voter identified pursuant to subdivision (c), and may also notify the voter in person or by other means of the opportunity to verify the voter’s signature.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Unless required pursuant to Section 3026, the elections official may use any information in a county’s election management system, or otherwise in the elections official’s possession, for the purpose of notifying the voter of the opportunity to verify the voter’s signature.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(E)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If it is impracticable under the circumstances for the elections official to send the notice described in subparagraph (A) on or before the next business day, including in the event of technological failure, the elections official shall send the notice as soon as practicable, but
not later than eight days prior to the certification of the election.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The notice and instructions shall be in substantially the following form:
</html:p>
<html:table id="id_C022218C-5771-41F9-AE56-4790E48494E2">
<html:colgroup>
<html:col width="239.0"/>
<html:col width="175.0"/>
</html:colgroup>
<html:tbody>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom">
<html:p class="HeaderCentered" style="font-size:9pt; text-align:center; text-indent:0pt;">“READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY CAUSE YOUR VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT NOT TO COUNT.</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom"/>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point" style="font-size:10pt; text-align:left; ; text-indent:0pt;">1. We have determined that the signature you provided on your vote by mail ballot does not compare with the signature(s) on file in your voter record. In order to ensure that your vote by mail ballot will be counted, the signature verification
statement must be completed and returned as soon as possible.</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">2. The signature verification statement must be received by the elections official of the county where you are registered to vote no later than 5 p.m. two days prior to certification of the election.</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">3. You must sign your name where specified on the signature verification statement (Voter’s Signature).</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">4. Place the signature verification statement into the postage-paid return envelope if it is included with these instructions. If a return envelope is not included with these instructions, use your own mailing envelope addressed to your local elections official. Mail, deliver, or have the completed statement delivered to the elections official. If you mail your completed statement using your own envelope, be sure there is sufficient postage and that the address of the elections
official is correct.</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">5. If you do not wish to send the signature verification statement by mail or have it delivered, you may submit your completed statement by email or facsimile transmission to your local elections official, or by other electronic means made available by your local elections official, or submit your completed statement to a polling place within the county or a ballot dropoff box before the close of the polls on election day.”</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
</html:tbody>
</html:table>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The notice and instructions shall be translated in all languages required in that county by Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10503).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The elections official shall not reject a vote by mail ballot identified pursuant to subdivision (c) if each of the following conditions is satisfied:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The voter delivers, in person, by mail, by fax, by email, or by other means, a signature verification statement signed by the voter and the elections official receives the statement no later than 5 p.m. two days prior to the certification of the election, or the voter, before the close of the polls on election day, completes and submits a signature verification statement to a polling place within the county or a ballot dropoff box.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Upon receipt of the signature verification statement, the elections official shall compare the signature on the statement with the signature on file in the voter’s record.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If upon conducting the comparison of signatures the elections official determines that the signatures compare, the elections official shall deposit the ballot, still in the identification envelope, in a ballot
container in the elections official’s office.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If, under the standards and procedures of subdivision (c), a determination is made that the signatures do not compare, the identification envelope shall not be opened and the ballot shall not be counted. The elections official shall write the cause of the rejection on the face of the identification envelope.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(5)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The signature verification statement shall be in substantially the following form and may be included on the same page as the notice and instructions specified in paragraph (2):
</html:p>
<html:table id="id_0257A837-1C8C-41B6-9563-46FED1059407">
<html:colgroup>
<html:col width="239.0"/>
<html:col width="175.0"/>
</html:colgroup>
<html:tbody>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom">
<html:p class="HeaderCentered" style="font-size:9pt; text-align:center; text-indent:0pt;">“SIGNATURE VERIFICATION STATEMENT</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom"/>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point" style="font-size:10pt; text-align:left; ; text-indent:0pt;">
I,
<html:span class="UnderlinedLeaders"/>
, am a registered voter of __________ County,
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">
State of California. I declare under penalty of perjury that I received and returned a vote by mail ballot. I am a resident of the precinct in which I have voted, and I am the person whose name appears on the vote by mail ballot envelope. I understand that if I commit or attempt any fraud in connection with voting, or if I aid or abet fraud or attempt to aid or abet fraud in connection with voting, I may be convicted of a felony punishable by imprisonment for 16 months or two or three years. I understand that my failure to sign this statement means that my vote by mail ballot will be invalidated.
<html:br/>
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">
<ns0:LabelledField>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
Voter’s Signature
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
</ns0:LabelledField>
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">
<ns0:LabelledField>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
Address”
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
</ns0:LabelledField>
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
</html:tbody>
</html:table>
<html:p>
(6)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If the elections official determines that the signatures compare, the official shall use the signature in the signature verification statement, even if returned untimely, to update the voter’s signature for future elections, including updating the signature database.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(7)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A voter may work with a nongovernmental entity to complete the requirements of this subdivision.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(8)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The signature verification
statement shall contain, where the voter signs, a statement that the county elections official is required to compare the voter’s signature appearing on the signature verification statement with the signatures appearing in the voter’s registration record, which may include the signature appearing on the voter’s driver’s license or state identification card.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding any other law, if an elections official determines that a voter has failed to sign the identification envelope, the elections official shall not reject the vote by mail ballot if the voter does any of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Signs the identification envelope at the office of the elections official during regular business hours no later than 5 p.m. two days prior to the certification of the election.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
No later than 5 p.m. two days prior to the certification of the election, completes and submits an unsigned identification envelope statement in substantially the following form:
</html:p>
<html:table id="id_62A3A3CC-08CF-4B7B-B9E5-21500B56B78A">
<html:colgroup>
<html:col width="239.0"/>
<html:col width="175.0"/>
</html:colgroup>
<html:tbody>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom">
<html:p class="HeaderCentered" style="font-size:9pt; text-align:center; text-indent:0pt;">“UNSIGNED IDENTIFICATION ENVELOPE STATEMENT</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom"/>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point" style="font-size:10pt; text-align:left; ; text-indent:0pt;">
I,
<html:span class="UnderlinedLeaders"/>
, am a registered voter of __________ County,
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">
State of California. I declare under penalty of perjury that I received and returned a vote by mail ballot and that I have not and will not vote more than one ballot in this election. I am a resident of the
precinct in which I have voted, and I am the person whose name appears on the vote by mail ballot envelope. I understand that if I commit or attempt any fraud in connection with voting, or if I aid or abet fraud or attempt to aid or abet fraud in connection with voting, I may be convicted of a felony punishable by imprisonment for 16 months or two or three years. I understand that my failure to sign this statement means that my vote by mail ballot will be invalidated.
<html:br/>
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">
<ns0:LabelledField>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
Voter’s Signature
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
</ns0:LabelledField>
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">
<ns0:LabelledField>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
Address”
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
</ns0:LabelledField>
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
</html:tbody>
</html:table>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Before the close of the polls on election day, completes and submits an unsigned identification envelope statement, in the form described in clause (ii), to a polling place within the county or a ballot dropoff box.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Except as provided in clause (v), or before the next business day after discovering that a voter has failed to sign the identification envelope, but not later than eight days prior to the certification of the election, the elections official shall send by first-class mail notice and instructions to the voter of the opportunity to provide a signature no later than 5 p.m. two days prior to the certification of the election. The notice shall include a return envelope, with postage paid, for the voter to return the unsigned identification envelope statement.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If an elections official has a telephone number or email address on file for a voter who has failed to sign the identification envelope, the elections official shall notify the voter by telephone, a text message, or email of the opportunity to provide a signature. If an elections official calls the voter and the voter does not answer, the elections official shall attempt to leave a voicemail message.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Unless required pursuant to Section 3026, the elections official may send additional written notices to a voter identified pursuant to this subdivision, and may also notify the voter in person or by other means of the opportunity to provide a signature.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iv)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Unless required pursuant to Section 3026, the elections official may use any information in the county’s election management system, or otherwise in the
elections official’s possession, for the purpose of notifying the voter of the opportunity to provide a signature.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(v)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If it is impracticable under the circumstances for the elections official to send the notice described in clause (i) on or before the next business day, including in the event of technological failure, the elections official shall send the notice as soon as practicable, but not later than eight days prior to the certification of the election.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If timely submitted, the elections official shall accept any completed unsigned identification envelope statement. Upon receipt of the unsigned identification envelope statement, the elections official shall compare the voter’s signature on the statement in the manner provided by this section.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If the elections official determines that the signatures
compare, the elections official shall attach the unsigned identification envelope statement to the identification envelope and deposit the ballot, still in the identification envelope, in a ballot container in the elections official’s office.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If, under the standards and procedures of subdivision (c), a determination is made that the signatures do not compare, the identification envelope shall not be opened and the elections official shall provide notice to the voter pursuant to subdivisions (c) and (d).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An elections official may use methods other than those described in subparagraph (A) to obtain a voter’s signature on an unsigned identification envelope statement.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(E)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If the elections official determines that the signatures compare, the official shall use the signature in the unsigned identification
envelope statement, even if returned untimely, to update the voter’s signature for future elections, including updating the signature database.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Instructions shall accompany the unsigned identification envelope statement in substantially the following form:
</html:p>
<html:table id="id_39CB565B-799E-4DF2-A05A-E612EB4AA9D0">
<html:colgroup>
<html:col width="239.0"/>
<html:col width="175.0"/>
</html:colgroup>
<html:tbody>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom">
<html:p class="HeaderCentered" style="font-size:9pt; text-align:center; text-indent:0pt;">“READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THE STATEMENT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY CAUSE YOUR BALLOT NOT TO COUNT.</html:p>
<html:br/>
<html:br/>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="HangingIndent2">1. In order to ensure that your vote by mail ballot will be counted, your statement should be completed and returned as soon as possible, but no later than 5 p.m. two days prior to the certification of the
election.</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="HangingIndent2">2. You must sign your name on the line above (Voter’s Signature).</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="HangingIndent2">
3.
<html:span class="ThinSpace"/>
Place the statement into the postage-paid return envelope if it is included with these instructions. If a return envelope is not included with these instructions, use your own mailing envelope addressed to your local elections official. Mail, deliver, or have delivered the completed statement to the elections official. If you mail your completed statement using your own envelope, be sure there is sufficient postage and that the address of the elections official is correct.
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="HangingIndent2">4. If you do not wish to send the statement by mail or have it delivered, you may submit your completed statement by facsimile or email transmission to your local elections official, or by other electronic means made available by your local elections official, or
submit your completed statement to a polling place within the county or a ballot dropoff box before the close of the polls on election day.”</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
</html:tbody>
</html:table>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The notice and instructions shall be translated in all languages required in that county by Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10503).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A voter may work with a nongovernmental entity to complete the requirements of this subdivision.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(5)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The identification envelope statement shall contain, where the voter signs, a statement that the county elections official is required to compare the voter’s signature appearing on the identification envelope statement with the signatures appearing in the voter’s registration record, which may include the signature appearing on the voter’s driver’s license or state identification
card.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(f)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The Secretary of State shall publish on their internet website a single, combined vote by mail ballot signature verification statement and unsigned ballot identification envelope statement, along with the instructions provided in this section for the completion of the statement. An elections official shall include the combined statement developed by the Secretary of State, or a combined statement developed by the elections official that meets the requirements of this section, on the elections official’s internet website and shall provide the elections official’s mailing address, email address, and facsimile transmission number on the internet web page containing the statement and instructions. The elections official shall accept the combined statement from a voter for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) or subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (e). An elections official may mail
the combined statement to a voter pursuant to subdivision (d) or (e) in lieu of the signature verification statement or unsigned ballot identification envelope statement.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(g)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A local elections official offering other electronic means for submission of a statement described in this section shall establish appropriate privacy and security protocols that ensure that the information transmitted is received directly and securely by the elections official and is only used for the stated purposes of verifying the signature on the voter’s ballot.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(h)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A ballot shall not be removed from its identification envelope until the time for processing ballots. A ballot shall not be rejected for cause after the identification envelope has been opened.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For purposes of this section, “certification of the election” means the date the
particular elections official submits a certified statement of the results of the election to the governing body pursuant to Section 15372, even if that occurs before the deadline to submit the certified statement of the election results set forth in Section 15372.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(j)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
In comparing signatures pursuant to this section, including when using signature verification software or other technology, an elections official shall adhere to all applicable regulations promulgated by the Secretary of State.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(k)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An elections official is authorized to use contact information provided on a voter’s affidavit of registration to contact a voter for purposes consistent with this section.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(
<html:i>l</html:i>
)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If an elections official establishes procedures that the official uses when comparing signatures pursuant to this section, the elections
official shall post the procedures used on their internet website or provide them upon request at their office. In accordance with subdivision (j), any such procedures shall adhere to regulations promulgated by the Secretary of State.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(m)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An elections official shall accept a form in satisfaction of the requirements of subdivision (d) or (e) if the form was developed by the Secretary of State or by an elections official pursuant to subdivision (d), (e), or (f). An elections official shall not accept a form created by any individual, organization, or entity other than the Secretary of State or an elections official.
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
</ns0:Fragment>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_6E95628E-44B4-44CF-B232-A859B6340069">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 2.5.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:ActionLine action="IS_AMENDED" ns3:href="urn:caml:codes:ELEC:caml#xpointer(%2Fcaml%3ALawDoc%2Fcaml%3ACode%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'DIVISION'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'3.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'CHAPTER'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'1.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawSection%5Bcaml%3ANum%3D'3019.'%5D)" ns3:label="fractionType: LAW_SECTION" ns3:type="locator">
Section 3019 of the
<ns0:DocName>Elections Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
</ns0:ActionLine>
<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_EA913658-980B-41C0-8C4A-2F97F095259F">
<ns0:Num>3019.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_DE4AEB59-6B7B-49C7-8583-50A5DBD5D319">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Upon receiving a vote by mail ballot, the elections official shall compare the signature on the identification envelope with either of the following to determine if the signatures compare:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The signature appearing on the voter’s affidavit of registration or any previous affidavit of registration of the voter.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The signature appearing on a form issued by an elections official that contains the voter’s signature and that is part of the voter’s registration record.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
All of the following apply to the comparison of signatures pursuant to this section, including the comparison of a voter’s signature on a
signature verification statement, an unsigned identification envelope statement, or a combined vote by mail ballot signature verification statement and unsigned identification envelope statement, with the signature that is part of the voter’s registration record:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A presumption exists that the signature on the identification envelope, signature verification statement, unsigned identification envelope statement, or provisional ballot envelope is the voter’s signature and that the vote will be counted.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An exact match is not required for an elections official to determine that a voter’s signature is valid. The fact that signatures share similar characteristics is sufficient to determine that a signature is valid.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the elections official shall consider explanations for
discrepancies between signatures that are specified in regulations promulgated by the Secretary of State. For purposes of this subparagraph, explanations include a variation in signature style over time and the haste with which a signature is written.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
When comparing signatures, an elections official shall not review or consider any of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A voter’s party preference, race, or ethnicity.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A voter’s identifying information including gender, name, or address, except to confirm the identity of the voter.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The amount of time spent reviewing a signature.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(E)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The elections official may consider characteristics of the written signature that are specified in regulations
promulgated by the Secretary of State. For purposes of this subparagraph, characteristics include the slant of the signature, letter formation, and whether the signature is printed or written in cursive.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(F)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The elections official may use facsimiles of voters’ signatures, provided that the method of preparing and displaying the facsimiles complies with the law.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(G)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
In comparing signatures pursuant to this section, an elections official may use signature verification technology. If signature verification technology determines that the signatures do not compare, the signature is subject to the additional procedures described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (c).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(H)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The variation of a signature caused by the substitution of initials for the first or middle name, or both, is not grounds for the elections official to
determine that the signatures do not compare.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(I)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A signature made using a mark such as an “X,” or made by a signature stamp, shall be presumed valid and shall be accepted if the signature meets the requirements of Section 354.5.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If upon conducting the comparison of signatures pursuant to subdivision (a) the elections official determines that the signatures compare, the elections official shall deposit the ballot, still in the identification envelope, in a ballot container in the elections official’s office.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If upon conducting the comparison of signatures pursuant to subdivision (a) the elections official determines that the signature possesses multiple, significant, and obvious differing characteristics when compared to all signatures in the voter’s registration record, the
signature is subject to the additional procedures described in paragraph (2).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If the elections official makes the determination described in paragraph (1), the signature shall be rejected only if two additional elections officials each find beyond a reasonable doubt that the signature differs in multiple, significant, and obvious respects from all signatures in the voter’s registration record. If the officials determine that the signatures do not compare, the identification envelope shall not be opened and the ballot shall not be counted. The elections official shall write the cause of the rejection on the face of the identification envelope only after completing the procedures described in subdivision (d).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Except as provided in subparagraph (E), on or before the next business day after a determination pursuant to
paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) that a voter’s signature does not compare pursuant to subdivision (c), but not later than the applicable notification deadline after the election, the elections official shall send by first-class mail notice to the voter of the opportunity to verify the voter’s signature no later than 5 p.m. on the day of the applicable receipt deadline after the election. The notice shall include a return envelope, with postage paid, for the voter to return a signature verification statement.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If an elections official has a telephone number or email address on file for a voter whose signature does not compare pursuant to subdivision (c), the elections official shall notify the voter by telephone, a text message, or email of the opportunity to verify the voter’s signature. If an elections official calls the voter and the voter does not answer, the elections official shall attempt to leave a voicemail message.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Unless required pursuant to Section 3026, the elections official may send additional written notices to a voter identified pursuant to subdivision (c), and may also notify the voter in person or by other means of the opportunity to verify the voter’s signature.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Unless required pursuant to Section 3026, the elections official may use any information in a county’s election management system, or otherwise in the elections official’s possession, for the purpose of notifying the voter of the opportunity to verify the voter’s signature.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(E)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If it is impracticable under the circumstances for the elections official to send the notice described in subparagraph (A) on or before the next business day, including in the event of technological failure, the elections official shall send the notice as soon as practicable, but
not later than the applicable notification deadline after the election.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The notice and instructions shall be in substantially the following form. The elections official shall insert the date of the applicable receipt deadline after the election where indicated on the form.
</html:p>
<html:table id="id_79477152-4784-437E-814A-1A14FCA8852A">
<html:colgroup>
<html:col width="239.0"/>
<html:col width="175.0"/>
</html:colgroup>
<html:tbody>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom">
<html:p class="HeaderCentered" style="font-size:9pt; text-align:center; text-indent:0pt;">“READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY CAUSE YOUR VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT NOT TO COUNT.</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom"/>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point" style="font-size:10pt; text-align:left; ; text-indent:0pt;">1. We have determined that the signature you provided on your vote by mail ballot does not compare with the
signature(s) on file in your voter record. In order to ensure that your vote by mail ballot will be counted, the signature verification statement must be completed and returned as soon as possible.</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">2. The signature verification statement must be received by the elections official of the county where you are registered to vote no later than 5 p.m. on [elections official to insert date of the applicable receipt deadline after the election]. </html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">3. You must sign your name where specified on the signature verification statement (Voter’s Signature).</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">4. Place the signature verification statement into the postage-paid return envelope if it is included with these instructions. If a return envelope is not included with these instructions, use your own mailing envelope addressed to your local elections official. Mail, deliver, or have the completed
statement delivered to the elections official. If you mail your completed statement using your own envelope, be sure there is sufficient postage and that the address of the elections official is correct.</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">5. If you do not wish to send the signature verification statement by mail or have it delivered, you may submit your completed statement by email or facsimile transmission to your local elections official, or by other electronic means made available by your local elections official, or submit your completed statement to a polling place within the county or a ballot dropoff box before the close of the polls on election day.”</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
</html:tbody>
</html:table>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The notice and instructions shall be translated in all languages required in that county by Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10503).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The elections official shall not reject a vote by mail ballot identified pursuant to subdivision (c) if each of the following conditions are satisfied:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The voter delivers, in person, by mail, by fax, by email, or by other means, a signature verification statement signed by the voter and the elections official receives the statement no later than 5 p.m. on the day of the applicable receipt deadline after the election, or the voter, before the close of the polls on election day, completes and submits a signature verification statement to a polling place within the county or a ballot dropoff box.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Upon receipt of the signature verification statement, the elections official shall compare the signature on the statement with the signature on file in the voter’s record. The elections official shall not delay the comparison until later in the canvass.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If upon conducting the comparison of signatures the elections official determines that the signatures compare, the elections official shall deposit the ballot, still in the identification envelope, in a ballot container in the elections official’s office.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If, under the standards and procedures of subdivision (c), a determination is made that the signatures do not compare, the identification envelope shall not be opened and the ballot shall not be counted. The elections official shall write the cause of the rejection on the face of the identification envelope.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(5)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The signature verification statement shall be in substantially the following form and may be included on the same page as the notice and instructions specified in paragraph (2):
</html:p>
<html:table id="id_62924873-9C4F-4820-9218-30C79FA2F9C7">
<html:colgroup>
<html:col width="239.0"/>
<html:col width="175.0"/>
</html:colgroup>
<html:tbody>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom">
<html:p class="HeaderCentered" style="font-size:9pt; text-align:center; text-indent:0pt;">“SIGNATURE VERIFICATION STATEMENT</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom"/>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point" style="font-size:10pt; text-align:left; ; text-indent:0pt;">
I,
<html:span class="UnderlinedLeaders"/>
, am a registered voter of __________ County,
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">
State of California. I declare under penalty of perjury that I received and returned a vote by mail ballot. I am a resident of the precinct in which I have voted, and I am the person whose name appears on the vote by mail ballot envelope. I understand that if I commit or attempt any fraud in connection with voting, or if I aid or abet fraud or attempt to aid or abet fraud in connection with voting, I may be
convicted of a felony punishable by imprisonment for 16 months or two or three years. I understand that my failure to sign this statement means that my vote by mail ballot will be invalidated.
<html:br/>
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">
<ns0:LabelledField>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
Voter’s Signature
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
</ns0:LabelledField>
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">
<ns0:LabelledField>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
Address”
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
</ns0:LabelledField>
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
</html:tbody>
</html:table>
<html:p>
(6)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If the elections official determines that the signatures compare, the official shall use the signature in the signature verification statement, even if returned untimely, to update the
voter’s signature for future elections, including updating the signature database.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(7)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A voter may work with a nongovernmental entity to complete the requirements of this subdivision.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(8)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The signature verification statement shall contain, where the voter signs, a statement that the county elections official is required to compare the voter’s signature appearing on the signature verification statement with the signatures appearing in the voter’s registration record, which may include the signature appearing on the voter’s driver’s license or state identification card.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(A)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding any other law, if an elections official determines that a voter has failed to sign the identification envelope, the elections official shall not reject the vote by mail ballot if
the voter does any of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Signs the identification envelope at the office of the elections official during regular business hours no later than 5 p.m. on the day of the applicable receipt deadline after the election.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
No later than 5 p.m. on the day of the applicable receipt deadline after the election, completes and submits an unsigned identification envelope statement in substantially the following form:
</html:p>
<html:table id="id_0EF0478C-1247-4BA3-8708-4C3CE0593686">
<html:colgroup>
<html:col width="239.0"/>
<html:col width="175.0"/>
</html:colgroup>
<html:tbody>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom">
<html:p class="HeaderCentered" style="font-size:9pt; text-align:center; text-indent:0pt;">“UNSIGNED IDENTIFICATION ENVELOPE STATEMENT</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom"/>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point" style="font-size:10pt; text-align:left; ; text-indent:0pt;">
I,
<html:span class="UnderlinedLeaders"/>
, am a registered voter of __________ County,
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">
State of California. I declare under penalty of perjury that I received and returned a vote by mail ballot and that I have not and will not vote more than one ballot in this election. I am a resident of the precinct in which I have voted, and I am the person whose name appears on the vote by mail ballot envelope. I understand that if I commit or attempt any fraud in connection with voting, or if I aid or abet fraud or attempt to aid or abet fraud in connection with voting, I may be convicted of a felony punishable by imprisonment for 16 months or two or three years. I understand that my failure to sign this statement means that my vote by mail ballot will be invalidated.
<html:br/>
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">
<ns0:LabelledField>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
Voter’s
Signature
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
</ns0:LabelledField>
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="Left10Point">
<ns0:LabelledField>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
Address”
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
<html:span class="EmSpace"/>
</ns0:LabelledField>
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
</html:tbody>
</html:table>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Before the close of the polls on election day, completes and submits an unsigned identification envelope statement, in the form described in clause (ii), to a polling place within the county or a ballot dropoff box.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(B)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Except as provided in clause (v), or before the next business day after discovering that a voter has failed to sign the identification envelope, but not later than the applicable
notification deadline after the election, the elections official shall send by first-class mail notice and instructions to the voter of the opportunity to provide a signature no later than 5 p.m. on the day of the applicable receipt deadline after the election. The notice shall include a return envelope, with postage paid, for the voter to return the unsigned identification envelope statement.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If an elections official has a telephone number or email address on file for a voter who has failed to sign the identification envelope, the elections official shall notify the voter by telephone, a text message, or email of the opportunity to provide a signature. If an elections official calls the voter and the voter does not answer, the elections official shall attempt to leave a voicemail message.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Unless required pursuant to Section 3026, the elections official may send
additional written notices to a voter identified pursuant to this subdivision, and may also notify the voter in person or by other means of the opportunity to provide a signature.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(iv)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Unless required pursuant to Section 3026, the elections official may use any information in the county’s election management system, or otherwise in the elections official’s possession, for the purpose of notifying the voter of the opportunity to provide a signature.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(v)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If it is impracticable under the circumstances for the elections official to send the notice described in clause (i) on or before the next business day, including in the event of technological failure, the elections official shall send the notice as soon as practicable, but not later than the applicable notification deadline after the election.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(C)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If timely submitted,
the elections official shall accept any completed unsigned identification envelope statement. Upon receipt of the unsigned identification envelope statement, the elections official shall compare the voter’s signature on the statement in the manner provided by this section. The elections official shall not delay the comparison until later in the canvass.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If the elections official determines that the signatures compare, the elections official shall attach the unsigned identification envelope statement to the identification envelope and deposit the ballot, still in the identification envelope, in a ballot container in the elections official’s office.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(ii)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If, under the standards and procedures of subdivision (c), a determination is made that the signatures do not compare, the identification envelope shall not be opened and the elections official shall provide notice to the voter
pursuant to subdivisions (c) and (d).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(D)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An elections official may use methods other than those described in subparagraph (A) to obtain a voter’s signature on an unsigned identification envelope statement.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(E)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If the elections official determines that the signatures compare, the official shall use the signature in the unsigned identification envelope statement, even if returned untimely, to update the voter’s signature for future elections, including updating the signature database.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Instructions shall accompany the unsigned identification envelope statement in substantially the following form. The elections official shall insert the date of the applicable receipt deadline after the election where indicated on the form.
</html:p>
<html:table id="id_7AF2C153-C4D3-403C-A860-3B3FF239DCB8">
<html:colgroup>
<html:col width="239.0"/>
<html:col width="175.0"/>
</html:colgroup>
<html:tbody>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2" valign="bottom">
<html:p class="HeaderCentered" style="font-size:9pt; text-align:center; text-indent:0pt;">“READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THE STATEMENT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY CAUSE YOUR BALLOT NOT TO COUNT.</html:p>
<html:br/>
<html:br/>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="HangingIndent2">1. In order to ensure that your vote by mail ballot will be counted, your statement should be completed and returned as soon as possible, but no later than 5 p.m. on [elections official to insert date of the applicable receipt deadline after the election]. </html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="HangingIndent2">2. You must sign your name on the line above (Voter’s Signature).</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="HangingIndent2">
3.
<html:span class="ThinSpace"/>
Place the statement into the postage-paid return envelope if it is included with these instructions. If a
return envelope is not included with these instructions, use your own mailing envelope addressed to your local elections official. Mail, deliver, or have delivered the completed statement to the elections official. If you mail your completed statement using your own envelope, be sure there is sufficient postage and that the address of the elections official is correct.
</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
<html:tr>
<html:td colspan="2">
<html:p class="HangingIndent2">4. If you do not wish to send the statement by mail or have it delivered, you may submit your completed statement by facsimile or email transmission to your local elections official, or by other electronic means made available by your local elections official, or submit your completed statement to a polling place within the county or a ballot dropoff box before the close of the polls on election day.”</html:p>
</html:td>
</html:tr>
</html:tbody>
</html:table>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The notice and instructions shall be translated in all languages required in that county by
Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10503).
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A voter may work with a nongovernmental entity to complete the requirements of this subdivision.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(5)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The identification envelope statement shall contain, where the voter signs, a statement that the county elections official is required to compare the voter’s signature appearing on the identification envelope statement with the signatures appearing in the voter’s registration record, which may include the signature appearing on the voter’s driver’s license or state identification card.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(f)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The Secretary of State shall publish on their internet website a single, combined vote by mail ballot signature verification statement and unsigned ballot identification envelope statement. An elections official shall include the combined statement
developed by the Secretary of State, or a combined statement developed by the elections official that meets the requirements of this section, along with the instructions provided in this section for the completion of the statement, on the elections official’s internet website and shall provide the elections official’s mailing address, email address, and facsimile transmission number on the internet webpage containing the statement and instructions. The elections official shall accept the combined statement from a voter for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) or subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (e). An elections official may mail the combined statement to a voter pursuant to subdivision (d) or (e) in lieu of the signature verification statement or unsigned ballot identification envelope statement.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(g)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A local elections official offering other electronic means for submission of a
statement described in this section shall establish appropriate privacy and security protocols that ensure that the information transmitted is received directly and securely by the elections official and is only used for the stated purposes of verifying the signature on the voter’s ballot.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(h)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A ballot shall not be removed from its identification envelope until the time for processing ballots. A ballot shall not be rejected for cause after the identification envelope has been opened.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(i)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For purposes of this section, “certification of the election” means the date the particular elections official submits a certified statement of the results of the election to the governing body pursuant to Section 15372, even if that occurs before the deadline to submit the certified statement of the election results set forth in Section 15372.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(j)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For a regularly scheduled statewide election, “applicable notification deadline” means 14 calendar days after the election and “applicable receipt deadline” means 22 calendar days after the election.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
For an election that is not a regularly scheduled statewide election, “applicable notification deadline” means eight calendar days before certification of the election and “applicable receipt deadline” means two calendar days before certification of the election.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(k)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
In comparing signatures pursuant to this section, including when using signature verification software or other technology, an elections official shall adhere to all applicable regulations promulgated by the Secretary of State.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(l)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An elections official is authorized to use contact information provided on a voter’s affidavit of registration to contact a voter for purposes consistent with this section.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(m)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
If an elections official establishes procedures that the official uses when comparing signatures pursuant to this section, the elections official shall post the procedures used on their internet website or provide them upon request at their office. In accordance with subdivision (k), any such procedures shall adhere to regulations promulgated by the Secretary of State.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(n)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An elections official shall accept a form in satisfaction of the requirements of subdivision (d) or (e) if the form was developed by the Secretary of State or by an elections official pursuant to subdivision (d), (e), or (f). An elections official shall not accept a form
created by any individual, organization, or entity other than the Secretary of State or an elections official.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(o)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
An elections official that places a vote by mail ballot drop box, as defined in Section 3025, at their office location to receive ballots, shall also use that drop box after the election in order to receive the form by which the voter provides a signature pursuant to subdivision (d) or (e), as applicable, provided that the drop box used after the election contains a clear and conspicuous label that it is to be used for this limited purpose and not for acceptance of late ballots.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(p)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding Section 15 or any other law, if the last day for the performance of any act provided for or required by this section is a holiday, as defined in Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, the deadline to perform the act shall
not be continued to the next business day.
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
</ns0:Fragment>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_A841A9B2-EBCC-4B7A-BB4F-1AFEB632A454">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 3.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:ActionLine action="IS_AMENDED" ns3:href="urn:caml:codes:ELEC:caml#xpointer(%2Fcaml%3ALawDoc%2Fcaml%3ACode%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'DIVISION'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'15.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'CHAPTER'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'2.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawSection%5Bcaml%3ANum%3D'15104.'%5D)" ns3:label="fractionType: LAW_SECTION" ns3:type="locator">
Section 15104 of the
<ns0:DocName>Elections Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
</ns0:ActionLine>
<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_3EAEF47E-16EA-447A-85EB-DF28AF6D41F9">
<ns0:Num>15104.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_A99FDE5F-7F7D-47BE-8435-9B60E30A1DC3">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The processing of vote by mail ballot return envelopes, and the processing and counting of vote by mail ballots, shall be open to the public, both prior to and after the election.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A member of the county grand jury, and at least one member each of the Republican county central committee, the Democratic county central committee, and of any other party with a candidate on the ballot, and any other interested organization, shall be permitted to observe and challenge the manner in which the vote by mail ballots are handled, from the processing of vote by mail ballot return envelopes through the counting and disposition of the ballots.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The elections official shall notify vote by mail voter
observers and the public at least 48 hours in advance of the dates, times, and places where vote by mail ballots will be processed and counted.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 2194, vote by mail voter observers shall be allowed sufficiently close access to enable them to observe the vote by mail ballot return envelopes and the signatures thereon and challenge whether those individuals handling vote by mail ballots are following established procedures, including all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Verifying signatures on the vote by mail ballot return envelopes by comparing them to voter registration information.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Duplicating accurately damaged or defective ballots.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Securing vote by mail ballots to prevent tampering with them
before they are counted on election day.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Verifying signatures on statements completed pursuant to subdivisions (d) and (e) of Section 3019.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A vote by mail voter observer shall not interfere with the orderly processing of vote by mail ballot return envelopes or the processing and counting of vote by mail ballots, including the touching or handling of the ballots.
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
</ns0:Fragment>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_800219C7-D84C-483B-AF90-B5258CEDB259">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 3.5.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:ActionLine action="IS_AMENDED" ns3:href="urn:caml:codes:ELEC:caml#xpointer(%2Fcaml%3ALawDoc%2Fcaml%3ACode%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'DIVISION'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'15.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawHeading%5B%40type%3D'CHAPTER'%20and%20caml%3ANum%3D'2.'%5D%2Fcaml%3ALawSection%5Bcaml%3ANum%3D'15104.'%5D)" ns3:label="fractionType: LAW_SECTION" ns3:type="locator">
Section 15104 of the
<ns0:DocName>Elections Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
</ns0:ActionLine>
<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_150DC056-C3AB-4607-A074-98B5A0C9D998">
<ns0:Num>15104.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_DFC2CCE5-25A1-4AC2-B7C2-8F074B9B553E">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The processing of vote by mail ballot return envelopes, and the processing and counting of vote by mail ballots, shall be open to the public, both prior to and after the election.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A member of the county grand jury, and at least one member each of the Republican county central committee, the Democratic county central committee, and of any other party with a candidate on the ballot, and any other interested organization, shall be permitted to observe and challenge the manner in which the vote by mail ballots are handled, from the processing of vote by mail ballot return envelopes through the counting and disposition of the ballots.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
The elections official shall notify vote by mail voter
observers and the public at least 48 hours in advance of the dates, times, and places where vote by mail ballots will be processed and counted.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(d)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 2194, vote by mail voter observers shall be allowed sufficiently close access to enable them to observe the vote by mail ballot return envelopes and the signatures thereon and challenge whether those individuals handling vote by mail ballots are following established procedures, including all of the following:
</html:p>
<html:p>
(1)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Verifying signatures on the vote by mail ballot return envelopes by comparing them to voter registration information.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Duplicating accurately damaged or defective ballots.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Securing vote by mail ballots to prevent tampering with them
before they are counted.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(4)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
Verifying signatures on statements completed pursuant to subdivisions (d) and (e) of Section 3019.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(e)
<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
A vote by mail voter observer shall not interfere with the orderly processing of vote by mail ballot return envelopes or the processing and counting of vote by mail ballots, including the touching or handling of the ballots.
</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
</ns0:LawSection>
</ns0:Fragment>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_0FEAC0F3-CBBE-41D9-8A60-BA8AC9573A95">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 4.</ns0:Num>
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Section 15306 of the
<ns0:DocName>Elections Code</ns0:DocName>
is amended to read:
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<ns0:Fragment>
<ns0:LawSection id="id_FCB1FA78-24FA-4797-9A43-DEF9A4F06E3E">
<ns0:Num>15306.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_FF476D0B-6368-4437-9DBA-68BD65E47758">
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>
(a)
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Beginning no later than the Thursday following an election, and until the time specified in subdivision (b), an elections official shall post updated information regarding the election on their internet website at least two times by the following Thursday and at least twice a week thereafter. The updates shall include at least the following information:
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<html:p>
(1)
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Updated results for any candidate or measure appearing on the ballot.
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<html:p>
(2)
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The number of ballots processed and an estimated number of outstanding ballots remaining unprocessed using the unprocessed ballot categories prescribed by the Secretary of State pursuant to Section 15305. This information shall be posted on either the homepage of an
election official’s internet website or on the stand-alone webpage for the specific election on an elections official’s internet website. Posting a hyperlink to a separate file containing this information does not satisfy the requirements of this subdivision.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(3)
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The date and time when it is expected that the next results will be posted. This information shall be posted on the homepage of an elections official’s internet website, on the stand-alone webpage for the specific election on an elections official’s internet website, or on the stand-alone website that contains updated election results for the specific election pursuant to paragraph (1). Posting a hyperlink to a separate file containing this information does not satisfy the requirements of this subdivision.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(b)
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The elections official may stop posting the results described in subdivision (a) when either of the following
occurs:
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<html:p>
(1)
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A certified statement of results is published pursuant to Section 15372.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(2)
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The only ballots left to count are vote by mail ballots for which a voter has the opportunity either to verify their signature pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 3019 or to provide their signature pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 3019. If the elections official stops posting results for this reason, they shall post a notice stating this reason on their internet website.
</html:p>
<html:p>
(c)
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The requirements of this section are in addition to any other duty to report or publish information required of the elections official pursuant to this division or any other law.
</html:p>
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</ns0:LawSection>
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</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_208F8F1C-63BA-4E6B-AD4F-5E0147B7666F">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 5.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>Section 2.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 3019 of the Elections Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 827. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2026, (2) each bill amends Section 3019 of the Elections Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 827, in which case Section 2 of this bill shall not become operative.</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_4C8B0B79-AB3D-4948-8E5D-F3BDEA24D080">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 6.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>Section 3.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 15104 of the Elections Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 16. That section of this bill shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2026, (2) each bill amends Section 15104 of the Elections Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 16, in which case Section 3 of this bill shall not become operative.</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
</ns0:BillSection>
<ns0:BillSection id="id_E637967E-F11A-4F05-B934-DA4713F50EB5">
<ns0:Num>SEC. 7.</ns0:Num>
<ns0:Content>
<html:p>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.</html:p>
</ns0:Content>
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</ns0:Bill>
</ns0:MeasureDoc>
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