Existing law requires a county elections official to send a voter notification by nonforwardable, first-class mail to a voter (1) who recently completed an affidavit of registration, (2) whose registration changed because of an official notice they have moved, or (3) who changed their political party preference. Existing law also requires a county elections official to notify a voter by first-class mail, including a postage-paid and preaddressed return form, between 15 and 30 days before canceling a person’s voter registration for specified reasons.

This bill would, in addition to voter notification mandates under existing law, require a county elections official to notify a voter by nonforwardable, first-class mail, including a postage-paid and preaddressed return form, if the registration of the voter is changed, updated, or canceled for any reason. The bill would require this notification to contain (1) the nature of the changes or updates to, or reasons for cancellation of, the voter’s registration, (2) the address and toll-free number of the county elections office, and (3) a statement that if the voter believes the change, update, or cancellation is in error, the voter should notify the county elections official, as specified.

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 the statutory provisions noted above.