Vote by mail ballots.

Existing law creates vote by mail ballots. After marking the ballot, a vote by mail voter is required to return his or her ballot by mail or in person to the elections official from whom it came or in person to a member of a precinct board at a polling place within the jurisdiction. A vote by mail voter who is unable to return his or her ballot may designate his or her spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, or a person residing in the same household to return the ballot to the specified elections official or precinct board member. Existing law requires that the identification envelope for returning a vote by mail ballot contain specified information, including the name and signature of the person authorized by the voter to return the vote by mail ballot. This bill would require the elections official to provide each polling place with a blank roster for recording specified information from persons returning a vote by mail ballot, including the name and residence address of the person authorized by the voter to return the voter's vote by mail ballot. This bill would require that the identification envelope contain the address of the person authorized by the voter to return the vote by mail ballot. This bill would require the person authorized to return the voter's vote by mail ballot to present proof of his or her identity and residency, as specified. If the person is unable to present proof of identification or residency, this bill would require the elections official or precinct board member to contact the voter to verify that the person is authorized to return the voter's vote by mail ballot. This bill would prohibit a voter's vote by mail ballot from being counted unless the person returning the ballot presents proof of his or her identity and residency or the elections official or precinct board member verifies that the person is authorized by the voter to return the ballot. By imposing additional duties on local elections officials, this bill imposes 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.