Elections: eligibility to vote.

The California Constitution requires the Legislature to provide for the disqualification of electors while serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony. ACA 4 of the 2023–24 Regular Session, if approved by the voters, would repeal that requirement, thereby authorizing an otherwise qualified elector serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony to vote. This bill would remove statutory references to the disqualification of electors while serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony, would allow an elector currently serving in a state or federal prison to vote based on their last voluntary residence in the state, would require an elections official to provide the incarcerated elector with the voting materials required to be sent to a vote by mail voter to the location where the elector is incarcerated, and would make other conforming changes. By imposing new duties on local officers, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill would become operative only if ACA 4 of the 2023–24 Regular Session is approved by the voters and takes effect. 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.