BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 2252
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ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB
2252 (Ting)
As Amended April 20, 2016
Majority vote
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|Committee |Votes|Ayes |Noes |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
|----------------+-----+----------------------+--------------------|
|Elections |7-0 |Weber, Harper, Travis | |
| | |Allen, Gordon, Low, | |
| | |Mullin, Nazarian | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
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SUMMARY: Allows a voter with disabilities to electronically
receive and mark his or her vote by mail (VBM) ballot using a
remote accessible VBM system, as defined. Establishes processes
and procedures for the review and approval of remote accessible
VBM systems, as specified. Specifically, this bill:
1)Deletes the term "ballot marking system" and replaces and
updates it with the term "remote accessible VBM system."
Defines a remote accessible VBM system to mean a mechanical,
electromechanical, or electronic system and its software that
is used for the sole purpose of marking an electronic VBM
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ballot for a voter with disabilities or a military or overseas
voter who shall print the paper cast vote record to be
submitted to the elections official. Prohibits a remote
accessible VBM system from being connected to a voting system
at any time.
2)Revises and updates the definition of a "ballot" and deletes
an obsolete part of that definition.
3)Defines a "paper cast vote record" to mean an auditable
document that corresponds to the selection made on the voter's
ballot and lists the contests on the ballot and the voter's
selections for those contests. Provides that a paper cast
vote record is not a ballot.
4)Updates the definition of a "voter verified paper audit trail"
to mean a paper cast voter record containing a copy of each of
the voter's selections that allows each voter to confirm his
or her selections before the voter casts his or her ballot for
systems that do not contain a paper ballot.
5)Deletes the term "paper record copy" and instead replaces and
updates it with the term "paper cast vote record," as defined
above.
6)Revises, updates, and establishes processes and procedures for
the review and approval of a remote accessible VBM system for
use in California elections, as specified.
7)Makes other technical and corresponding changes.
FISCAL EFFECT: None. This bill is keyed non-fiscal by the
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Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS: According to the author, "Technology has permeated
many aspects of our daily lives for greater convenience and
efficiency. In government, technology has proven an effective
tool in greater transparency and public participation. However,
the act of voting itself is not as convenient or accessible as
it should be. Proponents of vote by mail elections argue that
it boosts turnout by expanding voter convenience. San Mateo
County's experience with its first all vote by mail election
last fall boosted turnout 16 percent over the last comparable
election in 2013, and the voting rate among Asians increased by
more than 30 percent in six cities. However, vote by mail only
systems have proven an obstacle for some voters to participate.
By emailing ballots to voters living with disabilities, we can
ensure that their right to vote is not compromised. AB 2252
would allow voters with disabilities to cast their vote by using
technology currently limited to military and overseas voters."
Please see the policy committee analysis for a full discussion
of this bill.
Analysis Prepared by:
Nichole Becker / E. & R. / (916) 319-2094 FN:
0002774
AB 2252
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