SB 1360 (2025) — Elections: translation of election materials.

AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY AUGUST 20, 2026

AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY AUGUST 13, 2026

AMENDED IN SENATE APRIL 14, 2026

AMENDED IN SENATE MARCH 25, 2026

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

SENATE BILLNo. 1360

Introduced by Senator Cervantes

(Coauthors: Senators Rubio and Wahab)

February 20, 2026

An act to amend Sections 2103, 2158, 2201, 2265, 2406, 2408, 4005, 4008, 9054, 12303, 13107, 13209, 13211.7, 13307, 14105.3, 14111, 14200, 14201, 14219, 14282, and 19101 of, and to add Sections 14034 and 14035 to, ~~and to repeal Section 14032 of,~~ the Elections Code, relating to elections.

Vote: majority Appropriation: no Fiscal committee: yes Local program: yes

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

The federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 requires a state or political subdivision in which more than 5% of voting-age citizens, or more than 10,000 voting-age citizens, are members of a single language minority and limited-English proficient to provide certain election materials, including ballots, in the language of the applicable language minority group. Existing state law requires the Secretary of State to determine for each county and precinct whether it is appropriate to provide facsimile copies of the ballot and other election materials in languages other than English. If the Secretary of State determines the number of voting age residents in a county or precinct who are members of a single language minority, and who lack sufficient skills in English to vote without assistance, is 3% or more of the voting-age residents of the county or precinct, county elections officials must provide facsimile ballots and other election materials in the applicable language.

This bill would require the Secretary of State, on or before December 15, ~~2027,~~ 2031, and on or before December 15 in every year ending in 1 or 7 thereafter, to identify the counties where at least 10,000 voting age citizens, or 5% of voting age citizens, are limited English proficient and either members of a single language minority group or speak a shared language. The bill would require the elections official in an identified political subdivision to provide translated election materials in any language that meets those criteria or, for an election occurring before December 15, ~~2027,~~ 2031, in any language in which the political subdivision is required to provide language assistance under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, within a specified period of time. The elections official would be required to translate, among other things, all official and sample ballots, voter registration forms, and election notices and instructions. The elections official would also be required to have a sufficient number of bilingual election workers to provide language assistance to any voter who needs it.

If the Secretary of State or another state agency provides election-related forms, instructions, assistance, or other materials or services in an identified political subdivision, the bill would require the Secretary of State or other state agency to translate the materials or services into any language that meets the criteria within that political subdivision. ~~The~~ Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill would also authorize the Secretary of State to require a political subdivision to provide translated election materials ~~in any language that does not meet the above-described criteria,~~ if interested citizens or entities provide the Secretary of State with a preponderance of evidence that a language group ~~that has not been determined by the Secretary of State to meet~~ meets any of the above-described ~~criteria in fact meets one or more of those criteria.~~ criteria.

The bill would also make various conforming changes. By increasing the duties of local elections officials, the bill would create a state-mandated local program.

The bill would include findings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities.

This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 13307 of the Elections Code proposed by SB 715 to be operative only if this bill and SB 715 are enacted and this bill is enacted last.

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.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a) California has the nation’s highest proportion of households, over 43 percent, that speak a language other than English at home; over 3 million eligible California voters, more than 12 percent of the state electorate, self-identify as limited-English proficient; and translated election materials are crucial to reducing barriers to voting. The Legislature further finds that studies of language assistance under the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Elections Code have found a correlation between the availability of translated election materials and an increase in voter participation.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that non-English-speaking citizens, like all other citizens, be encouraged to vote and enabled to vote independently and with full understanding of the voting materials provided to them. Election materials should be clear and easy to understand, and should help voters comprehend the contests, measures, instructions, and procedures necessary to cast an informed ballot. Therefore, appropriate efforts should be made on a statewide basis to minimize language-related obstacles to voting by providing language assistance to limited English proficient voters.

SEC. 2.

Section 2103 of the Elections Code is amended to read:

2103.

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the election board of each county, in order to promote and encourage voter registrations, shall establish a sufficient number of registration places throughout the county, and outside the county courthouse, for the convenience of persons desiring to register, to the end that registration may be maintained at a high level.

(b) It is also the intent of the Legislature that county elections officials, in order to promote and encourage voter registrations, shall enlist the support and cooperation of interested citizens and organizations in such a way as to reach most effectively every resident of the county.

(c) It is also the intent of the Legislature that non-English-speaking citizens, like all other citizens, should be encouraged to vote. Therefore, appropriate efforts should be made to minimize obstacles to registration by citizens who lack sufficient skill in English to register without assistance.

(d) It is the intent of the Legislature that county elections officials be permitted to distribute affidavits of registration and voter registration cards, in all languages required by Section 14035, or Section 203 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10503) or Section 4(f)(4) (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10303(f)(4)) of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, by using the county’s internet website.

SEC. 3.

Section 2158 of the Elections Code is amended to read:

2158.

County elections officials shall do all of the following:

(a) Provide voter registration cards designed pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 2157 for the registration of voters at their office and in a sufficient number of locations throughout the county for the convenience of persons desiring to register, to the end that registration may be maintained at a high level. The cards shall be available in all languages required by Section 14035, or Section 203 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10503) or Section 4(f)(4) (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10303(f)(4)) of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965.

(b) Provide voter registration cards designed pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 2157 in sufficient quantities to any individuals or organizations that wish to distribute the cards other than to persons who have been convicted of violating this section within the last five years. Individuals and organizations shall be permitted to distribute voter registration cards anywhere within the county.

(1) An individual or organization that distributes voter registration cards designed pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 2157 shall obtain the voter registration cards from the county elections official or the Secretary of State. The individual or organization shall comply with all applicable regulations established by the Secretary of State when distributing the cards.

(2) If, after completing their voter registration card, an elector entrusts it to another person, the latter shall sign and date the attached, numbered receipt indicating their address and telephone number, if any, and give the receipt to the elector. Failure to comply with this paragraph shall not cause the invalidation of the registration of a voter.

(3) An individual or organization that distributes voter registration cards designed pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 2157 shall give a voter registration card to any elector requesting it, provided that the individual or organization has a sufficient number of cards.

(4) If distribution of voter registration cards pursuant to this subdivision is undertaken by mailing cards to persons who have not requested the cards, the person mailing the cards shall enclose a cover letter or other notice with each card instructing the recipients to disregard the cards if they are currently registered voters.

(c) Mail a voter registration card immediately to a person who wishes to register to vote and requests a voter registration card.

SEC. 4.

Section 2201 of the Elections Code is amended to read:

2201.

(a) The county elections official shall cancel the registration in the following cases:

(1) At the signed, written request of the person registered.

(2) When the mental incompetency of the person registered is legally established as provided in Sections 2208, 2209, 2210, and 2211. The county elections office shall use only information provided by the Secretary of State pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 2211.5 to cancel a voter registration for this reason.

(3) Upon proof that the person is presently imprisoned for conviction of a felony. The county elections office shall use only information provided by the Secretary of State pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 2212, by a United States District Court, or by the Federal Bureau of Prisons to cancel a voter registration for this reason.

(4) Upon the production of a certified copy of a judgment directing the cancellation to be made.

(5) Upon the death of the person registered.

(6) Pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 2220).

(7) Upon official notification that the voter is registered to vote in another state.

(8) Upon proof that the person is otherwise ineligible to vote.

(b) The Secretary of State may cancel the registration in the following cases:

(1) When the mental incompetency of the person registered is legally established as provided in Sections 2208, 2209, 2210, and 2211.

(2) Upon proof that the person is presently imprisoned for the conviction of a felony.

(3) Upon the death of the person registered.

(c) (1) Between 15 and 30 days, inclusive, before canceling a person’s registration for the reasons specified in paragraph (2), (3), (5), or (6) of subdivision (a), the county elections official shall send a forwardable notice by first-class mail, including a postage-paid and preaddressed return form, to the voter.

(A) The forwardable notice shall be provided in the person’s preferred language if the county is required to provide translated ballots in that language pursuant to Section 14035 or Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10503).

(B) The notice shall include a statement substantially similar to the following:

“IMPORTANT NOTICE. Your voter registration record is scheduled to be canceled on [date]. This cancellation is due to information the [county name] County elections office has received indicating your ineligibility to vote in that county due to a change of residence, death, prison commitment or mental incapacity to vote pursuant to Sections 2208, 2209, 2210, or 2211 of the California Elections Code, as applicable.

If you believe this cancellation is in error, please notify our office within 15 days from the date of this notice either by returning the attached postage-paid postcard or by calling [county elections office phone number] toll free.

If we do not receive your response to this notice, you may be required to reregister to vote in the next election or to vote using a provisional ballot. You can find more information about voter eligibility rules on the Secretary of State’s internet website at [URL] or voter hotline at [phone numbers]. You can also check your current registration status at [URL].”

(2) The preaddressed return form described in paragraph (1) shall include all of the following:

(A) Space for the voter to provide their current place of residence.

(B) Space for the voter to provide their current mailing address, if different from the place of residence.

(C) A box next to a statement substantially similar to the following: “The cancellation of my voter record is in error because I have not been deemed mentally incompetent to vote by a court of law, I am not currently serving a state or federal prison term, and I have not died. Additionally, if I have moved, I have provided my new residential address on this form.”

(D) Space for the voter to provide their signature and the date.

(3) The elections official may send additional written notices to a voter, and may also notify the voter in person, by telephone or email, or by other means of the planned registration cancellation.

SEC. 5.

Section 2265 of the Elections Code is amended to read:

2265.

(a) (1) The department, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall establish a schedule and method for the department to electronically provide to the Secretary of State the records specified in this section.

(2) The department and the Secretary of State shall develop and enter into an interagency agreement specifying how the department and the Secretary of State will cooperate to fulfill the requirements of this chapter. The agreement shall be updated as necessary, and the current version of the agreement shall be published on the internet website of the Secretary of State, except those parts of the agreement for which publication would compromise security.

(b) (1) The department shall provide to the Secretary of State, in a manner and method to be determined by the department in consultation with the Secretary of State, the following information associated with each person who submits a driver’s license application:

(A) Name.

(B) Date of birth.

(i) Residence address.

(ii) Mailing address.

(D) Digitized signature, as described in Section 12950.5 of the Vehicle Code.

(E) Telephone number, if available.

(F) Email address, if available.

(G) Language preference, if available.

(H) Political party preference, if available.

(I) Whether the person chooses to become a permanent vote by mail voter, if available.

(J) Whether the person affirmatively declined to become registered or preregistered to vote during a transaction with the department.

(K) A notation that the applicant has attested that the person meets all voter eligibility requirements, including United States citizenship, specified in Section 2101 and, as applicable, the preregistration eligibility requirements in subdivision (d) of Section 2102.

(L) Other information specified in regulations implementing this chapter.

(2) (A) A completed voter registration application included with a driver’s license application and accepted at the department shall be transmitted to the Secretary of State no later than 10 days after the department accepts it.

(B) A completed voter registration application accepted within five days of the last day to register to vote for a federal or statewide election shall be transmitted to the Secretary of State no later than five days after the date of acceptance.

(C) (i) For purposes of establishing the department’s transmittal deadlines required by this paragraph and by Section 20504(e) of Title 52 of the United States Code, the completed voter registration application included with the driver’s license application shall be deemed accepted on the date the completed voter registration application arrives at the department, whether by mail, in person, electronically, or in another manner, the application contains all of the information in paragraph (1) except to the extent paragraph (1) requires certain information to be provided only if available, and the department approves the documentation of identity submitted by the applicant that is required by the Vehicle Code for the type of license or identification card for which the applicant has applied.

(ii) This subparagraph shall become operative upon the completion of the Digital eXperience Platform project described in Item 2740-001-0044 of the Budget Act of 2021 (Chs. 21, 69, and 240, Stats. 2021), or on July 1, 2025, whichever is earlier.

(3) (A) The department shall accept and transmit a completed voter registration application included with a driver’s license application as described in paragraph (2) even if, pursuant to the Vehicle Code, the driver’s license application is incomplete or the driver’s license or identification card associated with the voter who submitted the voter registration application is inactive due to a failure to pay fees, or any other reason that is unrelated to either of the following:

(i) The department’s approval of an applicant’s identity documentation pursuant to the Vehicle Code.

(ii) An elections official’s ability to prevent duplicate voter registrations or preregistrations, to assess the eligibility of the applicant, or to administer voter registration, preregistration, and other elections procedures.

(B) This paragraph shall become operative upon the completion of the Digital eXperience Platform project described in Item 2740-001-0044 of the Budget Act of 2021 (Chs. 21, 69, and 240, Stats. 2021), or on July 1, 2025, whichever is earlier.

(4) (A) The department may provide the records described in paragraph (1) to the Secretary of State before the Secretary of State certifies that all of the conditions set forth in subdivision (e) of this section have been satisfied. Records provided pursuant to this paragraph shall only be used for purposes of outreach and education to eligible voters conducted by the Secretary of State.

(B) The Secretary of State shall provide materials created for purposes of outreach and education as described in this paragraph in languages other than English, as required by Section 14035 or Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10503).

(c) The Secretary of State shall not sell, transfer, or allow any third party access to the information acquired from the department pursuant to this chapter without approval of the department, except as permitted by this chapter and Section 2194.

(d) The department shall not electronically provide records of a person who applies for or is issued a driver’s license pursuant to Section 12801.9 of the Vehicle Code because the person is unable to submit satisfactory proof that the person’s presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.

(e) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (b), the department shall commence implementation of this section no later than one year after the Secretary of State certifies all of the following:

(1) The state has a statewide voter registration database that complies with the requirements of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 20901 et seq.).

(2) The Legislature has appropriated the funds necessary for the Secretary of State and the department to implement and maintain the California New Motor Voter Program.

(3) The regulations required by Section 2277 have been adopted.

(f) The department shall not electronically provide records pursuant to this section that contain a home address designated as confidential pursuant to Section 1808.2, 1808.4, or 1808.6 of the Vehicle Code.

(g) It is the intent of the Legislature that the department continue its best practice of sending notice to voters when there is a delay in processing completed voter registration applications. It is further the intent of the Legislature that the notices continue to provide information about alternative options for submitting a voter registration application.

SEC. 6.

Section 2406 of the Elections Code is amended to read:

2406.

(a) A voter registration agency shall do all of the following:

(1) Notify the county elections official of each applicable county of the location of each of the voter registration agency’s offices or sites within the county.

(2) Designate an agency employee to be responsible for the agency’s compliance with this section.

(3) Request voter registration cards from the applicable county elections official, as needed.

(4) Take steps to ensure that the voter registration agency, and each office or site of the voter registration agency, has a sufficient supply of voter preference forms and voter registration cards available, including voter preference forms and voter registration cards in all languages required by Section 14035, or Section 203 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10503) or Section 4(f)(4) (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10303(f)(4)) of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965.

(5) Ensure that each employee of the voter registration agency who may provide voter registration services completes, at least once per year, a training based on the training materials prepared by the Secretary of State on the requirements of this chapter and the federal National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 20501 et seq.). The voter registration agency may incorporate this training into any other training program provided by the voter registration agency for its employees.

(b) A voter registration agency may conduct a review of the agency, or an office or site of the agency, as necessary, to ensure compliance with this chapter and the federal National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 20501 et seq.).

SEC. 7.

Section 2408 of the Elections Code is amended to read:

2408.

(a) A voter registration agency that allows a person to apply online for service or assistance, or to submit a recertification, renewal, or change of address form relating to the service or assistance online, shall implement a process and infrastructure that allows an applicant to electronically submit a voter preference form to the voter registration agency, and to submit an affidavit of voter registration electronically on the internet website of the Secretary of State in accordance with Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 2196).

(b) If a person indicates on their electronic voter preference form that they would like to register to vote, the person shall be informed that they may register to vote through one of the following options, if applicable:

(1) Submit an affidavit of voter registration electronically on the Secretary of State’s internet website pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 2196.

(2) Complete an affidavit of voter registration electronically on the Secretary of State’s internet website, print a hard copy of the completed affidavit, and mail or deliver the hard copy of the completed affidavit to the Secretary of State or the appropriate county elections official pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 2196.

(c) A voter registration agency may take steps to ensure that the information entered into a person’s electronic application for service or assistance, or their electronic recertification, renewal, or change of address form relating to the service or assistance, will be automatically transferred to the electronic affidavit of voter registration if the person indicates that they would like to register to vote.

(d) The Secretary of State shall take steps to ensure that the electronic affidavit of voter registration is available, and may be electronically submitted and verified, in all languages in which a county is required to provide voting materials pursuant to Section 14035, or Section 203 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10503) or Section 4(f)(4) (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10303(f)(4)) of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965.

SEC. 8.

Section 4005 of the Elections Code, as amended by Section 1 of Chapter 480 of the Statutes of 2024, is amended to read:

4005.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 4000 or any other law, any county may conduct any election as an all-mailed ballot election if all of the following apply:

(1) (A) At least two ballot dropoff locations are provided within the jurisdiction where the election is held or the number of ballot dropoff locations are fixed in a manner so that there is at least one ballot dropoff location provided for every 15,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on the 88th day before the day of the election, whichever results in more ballot dropoff locations. For purposes of this subparagraph, a vote center that includes an exterior ballot drop box counts only as a single ballot dropoff location. Ballot dropoff locations shall comply with the regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 3025.

(B) A ballot dropoff location provided for under this section consists of a secure, accessible, and locked ballot box located as near as possible to established public transportation routes and that is able to receive voted ballots. All ballot dropoff locations shall be open at least during regular business hours beginning not less than 28 days before the day of the election, and on the day of the election. At least one ballot dropoff location shall be an accessible, secured, exterior drop box that is available for a minimum of 12 hours per day including regular business hours.

(2) (A) The county elections official permits a voter residing in the county to do any of the following at a vote center:

(i) Return, or vote and return, the voter’s vote by mail ballot.

(ii) Register to vote, update the voter’s voter registration, and vote pursuant to Section 2170.

(iii) Receive and vote a provisional ballot pursuant to Section 3016 or Article 5 (commencing with Section 14310) of Chapter 3 of Division 14.

(iv) Receive a replacement ballot upon verification that a ballot for the same election has not been received from the voter by the county elections official. If the county elections official is unable to determine if a ballot for the same election has been received from the voter, the county elections official may issue a provisional ballot.

(v) Vote a regular, provisional, or replacement ballot using accessible voting equipment that provides for a private and independent voting experience.

(B) Each vote center shall have at least three voting machines that are accessible to voters with disabilities.

(3) (A) On the day of the election, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., inclusive, and on each of the three days before the election, for a minimum of eight hours per day, at least one vote center is provided for every 10,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on the 88th day before the day of the election. At least 90 percent of the number of vote centers required by this subparagraph shall be open for all four days during the required times. Up to 10 percent of the number of vote centers required by this subparagraph may be open for less than four days if at least one vote center is provided for every 10,000 registered voters on each day.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 20,000 registered voters, a minimum of two vote centers are provided on the day of the election and on each of the three days before the election within the jurisdiction where the election is held.

(4) (A) Beginning 10 days before the day of the election and continuing daily up to and including the fourth day before the election, for a minimum of eight hours per day, at least one vote center is provided for every 50,000 registered voters within the jurisdiction where the election is held, as determined on the 88th day before the day of the election.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 50,000 registered voters, a minimum of two vote centers are provided within the jurisdiction where the election is held.

(C) The vote centers provided under this section are established in accordance with the accessibility requirements described in Article 5 (commencing with Section 12280) of Chapter 3 of Division 12, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 20901 et seq.), and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.).

(D) The vote centers provided under this section are equitably distributed across the county so as to afford maximally convenient options for voters and are established at accessible locations as near as possible to established public transportation routes. The vote centers shall be equipped with voting units or systems that are accessible to individuals with disabilities and that provide the same opportunity for access and participation as is provided to voters who are not disabled, including the ability to vote privately and independently in accordance with Sections 12280 and 19240.

(E) (i) The vote centers provided under this section have an electronic mechanism for the county elections official to immediately access, at a minimum, all of the following voter registration data:

(I) Name.

(II) Address.

(III) Date of birth.

(IV) Language preference.

(V) Party preference.

(VI) Precinct.

(VII) Whether or not the voter has been issued a vote by mail ballot and whether or not a ballot has been received by the county elections official.

(ii) The electronic mechanism used to access voter registration data shall not be connected in any way to a voting system.

(5) A method is available for voters with disabilities to request and receive a blank vote by mail ballot and, if a replacement ballot is necessary, a blank replacement ballot that voters with disabilities can read and mark privately and independently pursuant to the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 20901 et seq.).

(6) (A) Except as otherwise provided for in this section, election boards for the vote centers established under this section meet the requirements for eligibility and composition pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 12300) of Chapter 4 of Division 12.

(B) Each vote center provides language assistance in all languages required in the jurisdiction under subdivision (c) of Section 12303, Section 14035, or Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.) in a manner that enables voters of the applicable language minority groups to participate effectively in the electoral process. Each vote center shall post information regarding the availability of language assistance in English and all other languages for which language assistance is required to be provided in the jurisdiction under subdivision (c) of Section 12303, Section 14035, or Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.).

(i) If a vote center is located in, or adjacent to, a precinct, census tract, or other defined geographical subsection required to establish language requirements under subdivision (c) of Section 12303, 14035, or Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.), or if it is identified as needing language assistance through the public input process described in clause (ii), the county elections official shall ensure that the vote center is staffed by election board members who speak the required language. If the county elections official is unable to recruit election board members who speak the required language, alternative methods of effective language assistance shall be provided by the county elections official.

(ii) The county elections official shall solicit public input regarding which vote centers should be staffed by election board members who are fluent in a language in addition to English pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 12303, Section 10435, and Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.).

(iii) The county elections official shall provide notice in the sample ballot, in vote by mail materials, and on the official’s internet website of the specific language services available at each vote center.

(iv) Each vote center shall post information regarding the availability of language assistance services, including any language assistance hotlines provided by the county or Secretary of State.

(C) Each vote center provides election materials translated in all languages required in the jurisdiction under Section 14035, subdivision (a) of Section 14201, and Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.).

(D) Each vote center provides reasonable modifications and auxiliary aids and services as required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.) and the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 701 et seq.).

(7) (A) Beginning 10 days before the election, the county elections official maintains, in an electronic format, an index of voters who have done any of the following at one of the vote centers established pursuant to this section:

(i) Registered to vote or updated the voter’s voter registration.

(ii) Received and voted a provisional ballot or replacement ballot.

(iii) Voted a ballot using equipment at the vote center.

(B) The index required by subparagraph (A) includes the same information for each voter as is required to be included on copies of the roster that are posted pursuant to Section 14294. The index required by subparagraph (A) shall be updated continuously during any time that a vote center is open in the jurisdiction.

(8) (A) No later than 29 days before the day of the election, the county elections official begins mailing to registered voters a vote by mail ballot packet that includes a return envelope with instructions for the use and return of the vote by mail ballot. The county elections official shall have five days to mail a ballot to each person who is registered to vote on the 29th day before the day of the election and five days for each subsequent registered voter. The county elections official shall not discriminate against any region or precinct in the county in choosing which ballots to mail first within the prescribed five-day mailing period.

(B) The county elections official delivers to each voter, with either the sample ballot sent pursuant to Section 13303 or with the vote by mail ballot packet, all of the following:

(i) A notice, translated in all languages required under Section 14035, subdivision (a) of Section 14201, and Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.), that informs voters of all of the following:

(I) An all-mailed ballot election is being conducted and each eligible voter will be issued a vote by mail ballot by mail.

(II) The voter may cast a vote by mail ballot in person at a vote center during the times and days specified in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (4) or on election day.

(III) No later than seven days before the day of the election, the voter may request the county elections official to send a vote by mail ballot in a language other than English pursuant to Section 14035 or Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.), or a facsimile copy of the ballot printed in a language other than English pursuant to Section 14201.

(IV) No later than seven days before the day of the election, the voter may request the county elections official to send or deliver a ballot that voters with disabilities can read and mark privately and independently pursuant to the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 20901 et seq.).

(V) Language assistance hotlines provided by the county or Secretary of State.

(ii) A list of the ballot dropoff locations and vote centers established pursuant to this section, including the dates and hours they are open. The list shall also be posted on the internet website of the county elections official in a format that is accessible for people with disabilities pursuant to Section 11135 of the Government Code.

(iii) A postage-paid postcard that the voter may return to the county elections official for the purpose of requesting a vote by mail ballot in a language other than English or for the purpose of requesting a vote by mail ballot in an accessible format.

(C) Upon request, the county elections official provides written voting materials to voters with disabilities in an accessible format, as required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.) and the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 701 et seq.).

(9) (A) The county elections official establishes a language accessibility advisory committee that is comprised of representatives of language minority communities. The committee shall be established and hold its first meeting before the public meeting required by clause (i) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (10).

(B) The county elections official establishes a voting accessibility advisory committee that is comprised of voters with disabilities. The committee shall be established and hold its first meeting before the public meeting required by clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (10).

(C) In a county with more than 500,000 registered voters, the county elections official establishes a voter education and outreach advisory committee that is comprised of voter engagement, education, and community outreach advocates. The committee shall be established and hold its first meeting before the public meeting required by clause (iii) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (10).

(D) A county with fewer than 50,000 registered voters may establish a joint advisory committee for language minority communities and voters with disabilities.

(10) (A) The county elections official develops a draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section in consultation with the public, including all of the following:

(i) One meeting, publicly noticed at least 10 days in advance of the meeting and held prior to the noticing of the draft plan pursuant to subparagraph (C), that includes representatives, advocates, and other stakeholders representing each community for which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance in a language other than English under Section 14035, subdivision (a) of Section 14201, and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.).

(ii) One meeting, publicly noticed at least 10 days in advance of the meeting and held prior to the noticing of the draft plan pursuant to subparagraph (C), that includes representatives from the disability community and community organizations and individuals that advocate on behalf of, or provide services to, individuals with disabilities.

(iii) In a county with more than 500,000 registered voters, one meeting, publicly noticed at least 10 days in advance of the meeting and held prior to the noticing of the draft plan pursuant to subparagraph (C), that includes voter education and outreach advocates.

(B) The county elections official, when developing the draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section, considers, at a minimum, all of the following:

(i) Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to public transportation.

(ii) Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities with historically low vote by mail usage.

(iii) Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to population centers.

(iv) Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to language minority communities.

(v) Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to voters with disabilities.

(vi) Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities with low rates of household vehicle ownership.

(vii) Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to low-income communities.

(viii) Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to communities of eligible voters who are not registered to vote and may need access to same day voter registration.

(ix) Vote center and ballot dropoff location proximity to geographically isolated populations, including Native American reservations.

(x) Access to accessible and free parking at vote centers and ballot dropoff locations.

(xi) The distance and time a voter must travel by car or public transportation to a vote center and ballot dropoff location.

(xii) The need for alternate methods for voters with disabilities for whom vote by mail ballots are not accessible to cast a ballot.

(xiii) Traffic patterns near vote centers and ballot dropoff locations.

(xiv) The need for mobile vote centers in addition to the number of vote centers established pursuant to this section.

(xv) Vote center location on a public or private university or college campus.

(C) The county elections official publicly notices the draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section and accepts public comments on the draft plan for at least 14 days before the public hearing held pursuant to subparagraph (D).

(D) (i) Following the 14-day review period required by subparagraph (C), the county elections official holds a public hearing to consider the draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section and to accept public comments. The meeting shall be publicly noticed at least 10 days in advance of the meeting on the internet websites of the clerk of the county board of supervisors and the county elections official, or, if neither the clerk of the county board of supervisors nor the county elections official maintain an internet website, in the office of the county elections official.

(ii) After the public hearing to consider the draft plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section and to accept public comments, the county elections official shall consider any public comments the official receives from the public and shall amend the draft plan in response to the public comments to the extent the official deems appropriate. The county elections official shall publicly notice the amended draft plan and shall accept public comments on the amended draft plan for at least 14 days before the county elections official may adopt the amended draft plan pursuant to subparagraph (E).

(E) (i) No later than 120 days before the election and following the 14-day review and comment period required by clause (ii) of subparagraph (D), the county elections official shall adopt a final plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section. The county elections official shall submit the voter education and outreach plan that is required by clause (i) of subparagraph (I) to the Secretary of State for approval.

(ii) The Secretary of State shall approve, approve with modifications, or reject a voter education and outreach plan submitted pursuant to clause (i) of subparagraph (I) within 14 days after the plan is submitted by the county elections official.

(iii) The draft plan, the amended draft plan, and the adopted final plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section shall be posted on the internet website of the county elections official in each language in which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance under Section 14035, subdivision (a) of Section 14201, and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.), and the Secretary of State’s internet website in a format that is accessible for people with disabilities pursuant to Section 11135 of the Government Code.

(F) Public meetings held pursuant to this paragraph shall, upon request, provide auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication with people with disabilities.

(G) Within two years of the adoption of the first plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section, the county elections official shall hold public meetings in accordance with the procedures described in subparagraphs (C) to (F), inclusive, to consider revising the first plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section. Every four years thereafter, the county elections official shall hold public meetings in accordance with the procedures described in subparagraphs (C) to (F), inclusive, to consider revising the plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section.

(H) (i) With reasonable public notification, a county elections official may amend a plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section no more than 120 days before the date of an election held pursuant to this section.

(ii) With reasonable public notification, a county elections official may amend a plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section more than 120 days before the date of an election held pursuant to this section if the official provides at least 30 days to accept public comments on the amended plan.

(I) The plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section, includes all of the following:

(i) A voter education and outreach plan that is approved by the Secretary of State and that includes all of the following:

(I) A description of how the county elections official will use the media, including social media, newspapers, radio, and television that serve language minority communities for purposes of informing voters of the upcoming election and promoting the toll-free voter assistance hotline.

(II) A description of how the county elections official will use the media, including social media, newspapers, radio, and television for purposes of informing voters of the availability of a vote by mail ballot in an accessible format and the process for requesting such a ballot.

(III) A description of how the county elections official will have a community presence to educate voters regarding the provisions of this section.

(IV) A description of the accessible information that will be publicly available on the accessible internet website of the county elections official.

(V) A description of the method used by the county elections official to identify language minority voters.

(VI) A description of how the county elections official will educate and communicate the provisions of this section to the public, including:

(ia) Communities for which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance in a language other than English under Section 14035, subdivision (a) of Section 14201, and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.). The county elections official shall hold at least one bilingual voter education workshop for each language in which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance in a language other than English under Section 14035, subdivision (a) of Section 14201, and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.).

(ib) The disability community, including organizations and individuals that advocate on behalf of, or provide services to, individuals with disabilities. The county elections official shall hold at least one voter education workshop to increase accessibility and participation of eligible voters with disabilities.

(VII) A description of how the county will spend the necessary resources on voter education and outreach to ensure that voters are fully informed about the election. This description shall include information about the amount of money the county plans to spend on voter education and outreach activities under the plan, and how that compares to the amount of money spent on voter education and outreach in recent similar elections in the same jurisdiction.

(VIII) At least one public service announcement in the media, including newspapers, radio, and television, that serve English-speaking citizens for purposes of informing voters of the upcoming election and promoting the toll-free voter assistance hotline. Outreach made under this subclause shall include access for voters who are deaf or hard of hearing and voters who are blind or visually impaired.

(IX) At least one public service announcement in the media, including newspapers, radio, and television, that serve non-English-speaking citizens for each language in which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance under Section 14035, subdivision (a) of Section 14201, and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.) for purposes of informing voters of the upcoming election and promoting the toll-free voter assistance hotline.

(X) At least two direct contacts with voters for purposes of informing voters of the upcoming election and promoting the toll-free voter assistance hotline. The two direct contacts are in addition to any other required contacts, including, but not limited to, sample ballots and the delivery of vote by mail ballots.

(ia) After the first six statewide elections conducted pursuant to this section, a county elections official may make one direct contact if the county elections official does both of the following:

(Ia) Revises the plan for the administration of elections pursuant to subparagraph (G) to explain how at least half of the funds saved from not making a second direct contact will be used on targeted outreach to historically underrepresented voters.

(Ib) Spends at least half of the funds saved from not making a second direct contact on targeted outreach to historically underrepresented voters.

(ib) If direct contact is made by mail, the county elections official must mail at least one copy of each direct contact to voters with the same surname and postal address, in each language requested.

(ic) At least one direct contact shall be made with voters during an election that is conducted either in a jurisdiction with fewer than 30,000 registered voters or conducted pursuant to subdivision (b) within 30 days of a regularly scheduled statewide election.

(id) Notwithstanding sub-subclause (ia), a county elections official shall make at least two direct contacts with a voter for the first six statewide elections that the voter is registered to vote in the county.

(ii) A description of how a voter with disabilities may request and receive a blank vote by mail ballot and, if a replacement ballot is necessary, a blank replacement ballot that a voter with disabilities can mark privately and independently.

(iii) A description of how the county elections official will address significant disparities in voter accessibility and participation identified in the report required by subdivision (g).

(iv) A description of the methods and standards that the county elections official will use to ensure the security of voting conducted at vote centers.

(v) Information about estimated short-term and long-term costs and savings from conducting elections pursuant to this section as compared to recent similar elections in the same jurisdiction that were not conducted pursuant to this section.

(vi) To the extent available at the time of publication, information on all of the following:

(I) The total number of vote centers to be established.

(II) The total number of ballot dropoff locations to be established.

(III) The location of each vote center.

(IV) The location of each ballot dropoff location and whether it is inside or outside.

(V) A map of the locations of each vote center and ballot dropoff location.

(VI) The hours of operation for each vote center.

(VII) The hours of operation for each ballot dropoff location.

(VIII) The security and contingency plans that would be implemented by the county elections official to do both of the following:

(ia) Prevent a disruption of the vote center process.

(ib) Ensure that the election is properly conducted if a disruption occurs.

(IX) The number of election board members and the number of bilingual election board members and the languages spoken.

(X) The services provided to voters with disabilities, including, but not limited to, the type and number of accessible voting machines and reasonable modifications at each vote center.

(XI) The design, layout, and placement of equipment inside each vote center that protects each voter’s right to cast a private and independent ballot.

(vii) A toll-free voter assistance hotline that is accessible to voters who are deaf or hard of hearing, and that is maintained by the county elections official that is operational no later than 29 days before the day of the election until 5 p.m. on the day after the election. The toll-free voter assistance hotline shall provide assistance to voters in all languages in which the county is required to provide voting materials and assistance under Section 14035, subdivision (a) of Section 14201, and the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.).

(J) The plan for the administration of elections conducted pursuant to this section is posted in a format that is accessible to persons with disabilities on the internet website of the Secretary of State and on the internet website of the county elections official.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 4000 or any other law, any county may conduct a special election as an all-mailed ballot election under this section if all of the following apply:

(1) The county elections official has done either of the following:

(A) Previously conducted an election as an all-mailed ballot election in accordance with subdivision (a).

(B) Adopted a final plan for the administration of elections pursuant to clause (i) of subparagraph (E) of paragraph (10) of subdivision (a), in which case the county elections official shall complete all activities provided for in the voter education and outreach plan that is required by clause (i) of subparagraph (I) of paragraph (10) of subdivision (a) before the day of the special election.

(2) (A) On the day of the election, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., inclusive, at least one vote center is provided for every 30,000 registered voters. If the jurisdiction is not wholly contained within the county, the county elections official shall make a reasonable effort to establish a vote center within the jurisdiction where the special election is held.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 30,000 registered voters, the county elections official makes a reasonable effort to establish a vote center.

(3) (A) Not less than 10 days before the day of the election, for a minimum of eight hours per day, at least one vote center is provided for every 60,000 registered voters. If the jurisdiction is not wholly contained within the county, the county elections official shall make a reasonable effort to establish a vote center within the jurisdiction where the special election is held.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 30,000 registered voters, the county elections official makes a reasonable effort to establish a vote center.

(4) (A) At least one ballot dropoff location is provided for every 15,000 registered voters. At least one ballot dropoff location shall be located within the jurisdiction where the special election is held. All ballot dropoff locations shall be open at least during regular business hours beginning not less than 28 days before the day of the election, and on the day of the election.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for a jurisdiction with fewer than 15,000 registered voters, at least one ballot dropoff location shall be provided.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the election day procedures shall be conducted in accordance with Division 14 (commencing with Section 14000).

(d) The county elections official may provide, at the official’s discretion, additional ballot dropoff locations and vote centers for purposes of this section.

(e) The return of voted vote by mail ballots is subject to Sections 3017 and 3020.

(f) For the sole purpose of reporting the results of an election conducted pursuant to this section, upon completion of the ballot count, the county elections official shall divide the jurisdiction into precincts pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 12220) of Chapter 3 of Division 12 and shall prepare a statement of the results of the election in accordance with Sections 15373 and 15374.

(g) (1) (A) Within six months of each election conducted pursuant to this section, the Secretary of State shall submit a final report to the Legislature on all of the following information by categories of race, ethnicity, language preference, age, gender, disability, permanent vote by mail status, historical polling place voters, political party affiliation, and language minorities as it relates to the languages required under Section 14035, subdivision (a) of Section 14201, and Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.):

(i) Voter turnout.

(ii) Voter registration.

(iii) Ballot rejection rates.

(iv) Reasons for ballot rejection.

(v) Provisional ballot use.

(vi) Accessible vote by mail ballot use.

(vii) The number of votes cast at each vote center.

(viii) The number of ballots returned at ballot dropoff locations.

(ix) The number of ballots returned by mail.

(x) The number of persons who registered to vote at a vote center.

(xi) Instances of voter fraud.

(xii) Any other problems that became known to the county elections official or the Secretary of State during the election or canvass.

(B) The report required by subparagraph (A) shall be posted on the internet website of the Secretary of State in a format that is accessible for people with disabilities pursuant to Section 11135 of the Government Code.

(C) The report required by subparagraph (A) shall be submitted to the Legislature in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(D) If an election is conducted pursuant to this section, the county shall submit, to the extent possible, to the Secretary of State the information needed for the Secretary of State to prepare the report required by subparagraph (A).

(E) The Secretary of State may contract with any qualified person or organization for purposes of preparing the report required by subparagraph (A).

(2) Within nine months of the certification of the results of each election conducted pursuant to this section, the county elections official shall post on the official’s internet website a report that compares the cost of elections conducted pursuant to this section to the costs of previous elections. The report shall be posted in a format that is accessible for people with disabilities pursuant to Section 11135 of the Government Code.

(h) The Secretary of State shall enforce the provisions of this section pursuant to Section 12172.5 of the Government Code.

(i) For purposes of this section, “disability” has the same meaning as defined in subdivisions (j), (m), and (n) of Section 12926 of the Government Code.

(j) This section shall remain in effect until December 31, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.

SEC. 9.

Section 4005 of the Elections Code, as added by Section 2 of Chapter 480 of the Statutes of 2024, is amended to read: