Bill Text: CA SB505 | 2015-2016 | Regular Session | Chaptered

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Bill Title: Voter Bill of Rights.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2015-09-01 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 236, Statutes of 2015. [SB505 Detail]

Download: California-2015-SB505-Chaptered.html

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BILL NUMBER: SB 505	CHAPTERED
	BILL TEXT

	CHAPTER  236
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE  SEPTEMBER 1, 2015
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR  SEPTEMBER 1, 2015
	PASSED THE SENATE  MAY 14, 2015
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY  AUGUST 17, 2015
	AMENDED IN SENATE  APRIL 9, 2015
	AMENDED IN SENATE  APRIL 6, 2015

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Mendoza

                        FEBRUARY 26, 2015

   An act to amend Section 2300 of the Elections Code, relating to
elections.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 505, Mendoza.  Voter Bill of Rights.
   Existing law sets forth requirements and entitlements with respect
to the right to vote in California elections. Among the requirements
for voters is United States citizenship. Existing law establishes a
Voter Bill of Rights enumerating the rights of voters as established
under existing law and requires the Voter Bill of Rights, worded as
specified, to be made available to the public. Existing law permits
the Secretary of State to develop regulations to implement and
clarify the Voter Bill of Rights.
   This bill would eliminate the requirement that the Voter Bill of
Rights be worded as specified and would instead authorize the
Secretary of State to revise the wording as necessary to ensure
understanding.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 2300 of the Elections Code is amended to read:
   2300.  (a) All voters, pursuant to the California Constitution and
this code, shall be citizens of the United States. There shall be a
Voter Bill of Rights for voters, available to the public, which shall
convey all of the following to voters:
   (1) (A) You have the right to cast a ballot if you are a valid
registered voter.
   (B) A valid registered voter means a United States citizen who is
a resident in this state, who is at least 18 years of age and not in
prison or on parole for conviction of a felony, and who is registered
to vote at his or her current residence address.
   (2) You have the right to cast a provisional ballot if your name
is not listed on the voting rolls.
   (3) You have the right to cast a ballot if you are present and in
line at the polling place prior to the close of the polls.
   (4) You have the right to cast a secret ballot free from
intimidation.
   (5) (A) You have the right to receive a new ballot if, prior to
casting your ballot, you believe you made a mistake.
   (B) If at any time before you finally cast your ballot, you feel
you have made a mistake, you have the right to exchange the spoiled
ballot for a new ballot. Vote by mail voters may also request and
receive a new ballot if they return their spoiled ballot to an
elections official prior to the closing of the polls on election day.

   (6) You have the right to receive assistance in casting your
ballot, if you are unable to vote without assistance.
   (7) You have the right to return a completed vote by mail ballot
to any precinct in the county.
   (8) You have the right to election materials in another language,
if there are sufficient residents in your precinct to warrant
production.
   (9) (A) You have the right to ask questions about election
procedures and observe the election process.
   (B) You have the right to ask questions of the precinct board and
elections officials regarding election procedures and to receive an
answer or be directed to the appropriate official for an answer.
However, if persistent questioning disrupts the execution of their
duties, the board or election officials may discontinue responding to
questions.
   (10) You have the right to report any illegal or fraudulent
activity to a local elections official or to the Secretary of State's
office.
   (b) Beneath the Voter Bill of Rights there shall be listed a
toll-free telephone number to call if a person has been denied a
voting right or to report election fraud or misconduct.
   (c) The Secretary of State may do both of the following:
   (1) Develop regulations to implement and clarify the Voter Bill of
Rights set forth in subdivision (a).
   (2) Revise the wording of the Voter Bill of Rights as necessary to
ensure the use of clear and concise language free from technical
terms.
   (d) The Voter Bill of Rights set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b)
shall be made available to the public before each election and on
election day, at a minimum, as follows:
   (1) The Voter Bill of Rights shall be printed in the statewide
voter pamphlet, pursuant to Section 9084, in a minimum of 12-point
type. Subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a),
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) of subdivision (a), and
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (9) of subdivision (a) may be printed
in a smaller point type than the rest of the Voter Bill of Rights.
   (2) Posters or other printed materials containing the Voter Bill
of Rights shall be included in precinct supplies pursuant to Section
14105.