Elections: new citizens.

(1) Existing law authorizes a new citizen, as defined, to register and vote at the office of the county elections official at any time beginning on the 14th day before an election and ending on the 7th day prior to election day. This bill would additionally authorize a new citizen to register and vote at another location designated by the county elections official, and extend that period until the close of polls on election day. By increasing the duties of local elections officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) Existing law defines a new citizen as any person who meets all the requirements of an elector of, and has established residency in, this state, except that he or she will become a United States citizen after the 15th day prior to an election, but on or before the 7th day prior to that election. This bill would revise this definition by providing that a new citizen means any person who meets all the requirements of an elector of, and who has established residency in, this state, except that he or she will become a United States citizen after the 15th day prior to an election. (3) 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.