Under existing law, an elections official is required, no later than 7 days prior to an election, to conduct a test or a series of tests to ensure that every device used to tabulate ballots accurately records each vote. Existing law also authorizes qualified political parties, a bona fide association of citizens, or a media organization to have not more than 2 representatives present to check and review the preparation and operation of the tabulating devices and the programming and testing of those devices at any or all phases of the election.

This bill would require the county elections official to provide at least a 5-day public notice of the time and place of the test or series of tests of the tabulating devices and the preparation and operation of those devices and the programming and testing of those devices. The bill would also provide that the attendance of a representative at that time and place shall be subject to the existing restrictions. By requiring a higher level of service from county elections officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.