Elections: vote by mail ballots: notifications.

Existing law establishes procedures for voting by mail. Existing law permits a vote by mail voter to vote in person at the voter's home precinct or at another voter location, as specified, under certain conditions. This bill would require an elections official to inspect a vote by mail ballot envelope for signs of damage and, if any are found, mail notice to the voter on or before the next business day, but not later than 8 days before certification of the election. The bill would allow a voter whose vote by mail ballot envelope shows signs of damage to elect to receive a new vote by mail ballot or to vote in person at the voter's home precinct or at another voter location, as specified. The bill would prohibit an elections official from processing a vote by mail ballot that arrives in an envelope that shows signs of damage. By increasing the duties of local elections officials, the bill 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 the statutory provisions noted above.