Elections: vote by mail ballots.

Existing law requires that the identification envelope for returning a vote by mail ballot contain specified information, including the signature of the voter, the residence of the voter as shown on the affidavit of registration, and the date of signing. This bill would additionally require that the identification envelope include a verification panel, concealed during mailing, setting forth 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. The bill would require the elections official to verify the accuracy of that information before counting the vote. By imposing additional duties on elections officials, this 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.