The Legislature passed
SB 29 (Umberg), which would extend the statute requiring that
all registered voters receive mail-in ballots in 2020, through
the end of this year. While vaccine deployment is in process in
California, this bill aims to apply COVID-19 precautions to
protect any elections that will occur in 2021. The bill now
awaits the Governor’s signature. If signed the bill will
immediately apply to the special elections scheduled for the 30th
Senate District in Los Angeles and the 79th Assembly District in
San Diego.
A separate bill,
AB 37 (Berman), also being considered by the
Legislature, would apply vote-by-mail procedures to all future
elections. The bill, which is supported by newly appointed
Secretary of State Shirley Weber, has been referred to the
Assembly Elections Committee, where it will likely be heard in
April.
