Elections: ballots: notification.

Existing law requires elections officials to provide a sample ballot to each voter registered at least 29 days prior to an election. Existing law requires elections officials to send notice of the polling place to voters registered after 29 days prior to an election. Existing law further requires elections officials to provide a vote by mail ballot and supplies necessary to complete and return the ballot to each qualified vote by mail voter prior to an election. This bill would require, for a statewide election, that elections officials include a notification with the sample ballot, or notice of the polling place, that would inform the voter that he or she will receive a state ballot pamphlet. The bill would additionally require that elections officials include a notification with the vote by mail ballot that would inform the voter that he or she should receive a voter information guide. Because the bill would require additional duties from 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.