BILL ANALYSIS
AB 2154
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 2154 (Solorio)
As Amended March 24, 2010
Majority vote
ELECTIONS 5-2
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|Ayes:|Fong, Coto, Mendoza, | | |
| |Saldana, Swanson | | |
| | | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
|Nays:|Adams, Bill Berryhill | | |
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Permits a local elections official to allow voters to
apply for vote-by-mail (VBM) ballots by telephone.
Specifically, this bill allows a local elections official to
offer voters the ability to apply for a VBM ballot by telephone
subject to the following conditions:
1)The applicant must provide to the elections official personal
identifying information that matches the information contained
on the applicant's affidavit of registration, including first
and last name, home address, and date of birth. The
applicant's signature is not required for applications
received by telephone.
2)Except as otherwise provided, all provisions governing written
applications for VBM ballots apply to applications for VBM
ballots made by telephone.
EXISTING LAW provides that an application for a VBM voter's
ballot shall be made in writing to the elections official having
jurisdiction over the election between the 29th and the 7th day
prior to the election. The application shall be signed by the
applicant and show his or her place of residence.
FISCAL EFFECT : Keyed non-fiscal by the Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS : According to the author, "An increase in the
vote-by-mail option has been welcomed and encouraged by county
elections officials. Counties are saving money by reducing
election-day staff costs, minimizing the logistical problems of
AB 2154
Page 2
equipment shortages and failure, shortening long lines and
eliminating the consequences of poorly trained poll workers."
In support of this bill, the Orange County Board of Supervisors
writes, "This will provide a convenient, fast, and affordable
way for voters to submit request[s] for an absentee ballot.
Every election large numbers of voters call elections
departments to request a vote by mail ballot over the phone,
only to be told they must fill out an application online or pick
up a form from the election official's office and then return
it. Authorizing election officials to accept requests for an
absentee ballot over the phone will provide a much needed
convenience to voters."
AB 2277 (Keeley), Chapter 753, Statutes of 2002, requires the
Secretary of State to provide local election officials with a
uniform electronic application format for VBM ballots and gives
local elections officials the option of allowing voters to apply
for VBM ballots electronically.
Analysis Prepared by : Lori Barber / E. & R. / (916) 319-2094
FN: 0003840