Elections: vote by mail.

Existing law requires that the identification envelope for returning vote by mail ballots contain specified information and that the elections official verify that the signature on the envelope compares with the signature on the voter's affidavit of registration. Under existing law, the envelope is not opened and the ballot is not counted if the elections official determines the signatures do not compare. This bill would additionally require that the identification envelope include the last 4 digits of the voter's California driver's license or identification card number or, if unavailable, the last 4 digits of the voter's social security number and a security flap to conceal this information and the voter's signature during mailing. The bill would require the elections official to verify the accuracy of that information before counting the vote and that the voter be notified that the identification envelope will be opened only if this information is verified by the elections official. Because the bill would increase duties of local elections officials, 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.