Plain English Breakdown
The official text confirms the bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, but does not list an effective date or confirm if it was signed into law.
AB-1993: Rules for Mail-In Ballot Identification Envelopes
This law requires that any holes or windows in mail-in ballot identification envelopes be at least half an inch away from areas where voters write information.
What This Bill Does
- Requires perforations, holes, windows, or other openings on identification envelopes to be located not less than one-half inch from fillable fields on the ballot.
- Measures this distance when the ballot is fully inserted into the envelope according to voter instructions.
- Directs the Secretary of State to create regulations explaining how to follow these requirements.
- Applies only to elections held on or after January 1, 2028.
Who It Names or Affects
- Local election officials who prepare and mail ballot supplies.
- The Secretary of State's office responsible for writing regulations.
- Registered voters receiving identification envelopes in future elections.
Terms To Know
- Identification envelope
- An outer envelope sent with a mail-in ballot that holds the voter's signature and ID information, as required by existing law.
- Fillable field
- Any space on the ballot where a voter must write or print their name, address, or other details.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law does not take effect until elections held after January 1, 2028.
- Specific rules for measuring and designing envelopes will be written later by the Secretary of State.
- Reimbursement to local agencies depends on a future decision by the Commission on State Mandates.