Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish requirements for mailings related to absentee ballot applications or sample ballots sent by committees or private organizations. The bill aims to ensure transparency and prevent confusion among voters regarding the source of these mailings.

Main Provisions

• Statement Requirement: Any mailing that includes an absentee ballot application or a sample ballot must clearly state that it is not an official government communication. It should also clarify that the application or ballot was not requested by a government official.
• Sample Ballot Clarification: If a sample ballot is included in the mailing, it must be explicitly stated that the sample is not an official ballot that can be used for voting.
• Visibility of Statement: The required statement must be printed in a typeface and format that makes it plainly visible when the mailing is opened. The envelope must be marked to clearly differentiate it from official election mail.
• Restriction on Preprinted Information: Absentee ballot applications included in these mailings cannot be preprinted with voter information such as the voter's name or address. Voters must complete this information themselves upon submission.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new requirements for private organizations and committees sending absentee ballot applications and sample ballots, requiring clearer distinctions between these mailings and official government communications. It aims to increase voter awareness and reduce the potential for misinterpretation of non-government election materials.

Relevant Terms

absentee ballot application, sample ballot, official government communication, voter registration information, private organization, committee, election mail.