Causes.com
| 1.21.22
California’s New Voting Law Mean Every Voter Gets Mailed a Ballot, Should It Be Everywhere?
Do you want to see similar legislation in your area?
What’s the story?
- Under a new California law that went into effect Jan. 1, every registered voter in the state will receive a ballot by mail for every election, whether they request it or not. California Governor Gavin Newsom also signed into law 10 other bills aimed at expanding voter access.
What does the new law do?
- AB 37 makes mail-in ballots for all a permanent fixture of the California voting system, following the temporary change first put into place during the pandemic for the 2020 election.
- It extends the date for a mail-in ballot to be received and counted from three days to seven days after election day.
- It also allows election officials to begin counting mail-in ballots earlier.
- Voters are still able to drop off their ballot or vote in person if they choose, and counties must put into place ballot drop-off locations that meet certain criteria.
- The law also requires a tracking system so that all voters are able to ensure their ballot is counted.
What they’re saying
In Support
- AB 37 received majority support from the California Senate and was signed into law by Gov. Newsom. Supporters say the AB 37 and the other new voting laws will help to enfranchise more citizens by expanding the options people have to vote.
- California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber said:
“[T]he more people who participate in elections, the stronger our democracy and the more we have assurance that elections reflect the will of the people of California.”
In Opposition
- Some say the vote-by-mail changes made for the pandemic were appropriate, but are not necessary anymore. They argue that the majority of voters already are registered for and understand voting by mail, and the system in place is sufficient.
- The organization Election Integrity Project California Inc. criticized the change that allows mail-in ballots to be accepted seven days after election day, saying it was a threat to election integrity.
What about voter fraud?
- Senate Republicans have also posed concerns about the laws increasing opportunities for voter fraud.
- Some point to an incident last year where a California man was found with hundreds of recall election ballots in his car, but no evidence has been found that he was planning to commit voter fraud and he was arrested on separate charges.
- In response to concerns over multiple ballots being mailed out, supporters of the bill pointed to the ballot’s barcode tracking system, which allows only one vote per person even if multiple ballots get sent out. They also emphasized California’s election transparency and strict safeguards in place to catch voter fraud if it does occur.
- Known cases of voter fraud in mail-in ballot states, such as double voting or voting on behalf of a deceased person, are miniscule, according to recent data analysis from the Washington Post.
- You can track instances of voter fraud nationally and by state here.
The big picture
- With AB 37, California joins eight other states with all-mail elections.
- Since 2012, a majority of votes in California have been through mail-in ballots. In 2020, the percentage jumped to its highest ever - over 85 percent of votes were cast via absentee ballot in the 2020 general election. California voter turnout also spiked that year, with 80 percent of registered voters and 70 percent of eligible voters casting a ballot.
What’s next
- Changes to election and voting laws are being enacted across the country on both the state and federal levels.
- Last year, 19 states changed voting laws to restrict access, while 25 states made changes to make it easier to vote. Many of these laws go into effect this year.
- In Texas, stricter voting restrictions like a new identification requirement has caused a massive increase in rejections of absentee ballots.
- The Senate is amidst debates on two new voting rights measures that have been approved by the House.
Do you want to see a similar law in your area?
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We need to make voting as easy as possible for legal citizens of the US. Mail in voting makes it easier for people—especially those who can’t take off work or get a ride—to vote from home and still let them participate in the most important responsibility we have as citizens.
What is taking place in OUR Country by republican legislation and governors signing into law, is absolutely terrible and UNAMERICAN! It is EVERY Citizens right to Vote! Changing all the laws, drop boxes election workers, hours, the number of days and on and on! HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THIS? If the republicans think they can't win honestly by letting every citizen vote and have a voice in WHO our elected officials are who have we become? The fact that trumps election LIE is NOT knocked down by most of the Republicans speaks volumes as to who they really are! Is he the Godfather that you all fear? Disgusting and Shameful that you cannot and will not stand up for our Country and Voting Rights for ALL CITIZENS!
Another way to cheat. Sad
California is run be corrupt inbreeds
Mail Applications to vote by mail to all Register voters. Mail Registrations to vote to every citizen. After Registrations are complete and Applications are received and approved, then mail Ballots to people who are properly registered and have proven they are a legal voters. The legals voters have the responsibility of making sure they are registered and have mailed the Applications and Ballots in by the deadline!
It’s the only way to go it should be the same in every state then there would be no waiting in lines and no intimidation tactics etc!!! Washington state has been doing this for a long time and I’m totally grateful
This is an excellent idea in the time of Covid and as Republicans in state legislatures work to limit access to voting, effectively making voting difficult for communities of color, poor citizens, college students, and the elderly. Make mail in ballots universally available.
I vote by mail in NJ, it’s easy and allows those with health, transportation issues a way to safely vote. I think it’s a great idea that everyone have the opportunity to vote.
Sad I’m sure no way to prove who is voting and only Americans
Mail voting for years due to my age. It is safer. It allows time to research each person and all the issues. It provides a paper report in case a recount is needed. It will be more fair for those whose job hours makes voting difficult.
We have been voting by mail in WA state for well over a decade with no problems whatsoever. I think it’s very convenient and I love it. My husband & I sit at the kitchen table read the voter’s pamphlet and read all the info on each candidate then choose who we think will do the best job based on their experience. This way we are not rushed and we do the best job we can for our community.
What a fantastic idea to promote democracy in America.
everyone should have easy access to voting. there are states that have had mail in voting for years.
Mitch, Rand, and Andy, great idea. Let’s do this in Kentucky!
YES......DO IT IN EVERY STATE.
Yes it should be everywhere. Because of some certain idiots pulling voting drop off boxes and only having the least voting polls open for their voters, and the folks who can't get out to the polls. Every American has the right to cast their votes in the United States of America. It's democracy!
Maqiling unrequested, unneeded, and unverified ballots would make voter fraud "quasi-legal". Voter ID laws is the most important voter "reform" needed.
Take $500 cash a mail it to yourself. If you don't trust the mail with money, why would you trust them with your vote? This is just another attempt by slimy Democrats to cheat. It's my duty as a citizen to vote and pay my taxes. I work away from home the majority of the year. Of the five to six times per year that I come home, two of those instances are for voting and taxes. Don't tell me you can't schedule a time to take care of your civic duty.
" SO ALL MAY BE HEARD" !!!!
I cannot stand waiting in long lines. You have to bring a dinner bag with you because the line is so long. I stood in a line so long the doors to the polling place closed and I stood in line several hours later. It was so bad a couple had to call neighbors to pick up their kids from school, feed them dinner, and call to bring them to the poling place even though the doors were closed because they were still standing in line. The kids stayed up way past their bedtime on a school night. Plus, I have to take off from work. Voting should be a holiday. We should have more than one day to vote. I am for early voting too. I always try to vote early so I do not have to stand in long lines. I am allergic to long lines. If we can prevent long lines that is a win. But what we really need to do is protect voting rights. Voting is so vital to our democracy.