Implements two major updates to the Elections Code to clarify the voting process for NPP voters.
Requires that NPP notices contain a checkbox next to the names of the parties which allow crossover voting, so that it is clear to the voter which political parties offer open primaries, and instructs that voter in how to request a partisan ballot.
Requires that information be printed on NPP ballots informing the voter of their NPP status and how they may request a party ballot, including a remote accessible vote by mail ballot.
Ensures that NPP voters can crossover vote even if they cannot go in-person to pick up a crossover ballot or receive one in the mail.
Removes the requirement for a wet signature under penalty of perjury and instead would require a voter to provide their elections official with specified personal identifying information, such as name and date of birth.
Makes the replacement ballot request process more efficient for both voters and elections staff, since voters would be able to submit their request for a replacement ballot online or over the phone and elections staff will be able to immediately act on that request.
County elections officials were previously allowed to offer voters the ability to apply for replacement ballots electronically or by telephone but this was unintentionally repealed by AB 2608 (Berman, 2022).
Requires that all county elections officials accept submissions of candidate statements of qualifications and other filing forms electronically. Under this bill,
Once a candidate files electronically, they will have 72 hours to submit hard copies of the statement, form, and fees by overnight mail.
Establishes a lead county for multicounty local ballot measures to which arguments would be filed. The lead county will then select and transmit ballot measure arguments to all other counties in the district.
Directs the lead county to work with the other counties to establish the submittal deadline.
This change ensures that no proponents or opponents miss a filing deadline for a local measure that is on the ballot in more than one county.
Requires a signed contract and transition plan for a state certified voting system before a county can terminate their existing voting system contract.
Requires that a voting system be used in regularly scheduled elections in which there are more than 1,000 registered eligible voters as of 154 days in advance of an election.
This threshold increases to 5,000 registered eligible voters in non-regularly scheduled elections, such as special elections
Requires the Secretary of State to adopt regulations regarding manual vote counts, in order to minimize inaccuracies when manual counts are conducted.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1471, which extends the statutory hospital seismic compliance deadlines for three public hospital projects on the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) campus.
The COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted the schedules of the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center projects as hospital space was needed for patients making contractors unable to access the work areas. The work delays made compliance with the July 1, 2022 date unachievable.
AB 1471 would provide a needed extension of time for the three Santa Clara Valley Medical Center projects to comply with seismic requirements. This will prevent the imposition of significant financial penalties and ensure that residents will have access to critical health care services in the County.