Elections: vote by mail ballots.

Existing law requires that a ballot contain all supplies necessary for the return of the ballot and that the identification envelope for a vote by mail ballot contain specified information. This bill would also require a notice that the identification envelope of a vote by mail ballot must be actually received by elections officials before the polls close on election day in order to be counted, except as specified. Because the bill would require local elections officials to provide additional service, it 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.