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SB-970 • 2026

Military or overseas voters.

Military or overseas voters.

Elections
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Cervantes
Last action
2026-04-20
Official status
April 20 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details about the improvements in the voting process or the reliance on traditional mail delivery methods.

Helping Military and Overseas Voters

This law requires the Secretary of State to create rules that make it easier for military or overseas voters to return their completed ballots electronically.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires the Secretary of State to create rules that facilitate the secure return of ballots from military or overseas voters through electronic transmission methods.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Military and overseas voters
  • The Secretary of State

Terms To Know

Secure electronic transmission methods
Ways to send information safely over the internet or other digital networks.

Limits and Unknowns

  • Does not specify how much funding will be provided for implementing these new rules.
  • The exact details of the regulations are yet to be determined by the Secretary of State.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-20 California Legislative Information

    April 20 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.

  2. 2026-04-10 California Legislative Information

    Set for hearing April 20.

  3. 2026-04-07 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 4. Noes 0.) (April 7). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  4. 2026-03-16 California Legislative Information

    Set for hearing April 7.

  5. 2026-02-11 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on E. & C.A.

  6. 2026-02-04 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 6.

  7. 2026-02-03 California Legislative Information

    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 970, as introduced, Cervantes.
Military or overseas voters.
Existing law regulates the voting procedures for military or overseas voters to register to vote, to apply for voting ballots, and to vote. Existing law requires, among other things, unvoted voting materials to be electronically transmitted to a military or overseas voter.
This bill would require the Secretary of State to promulgate regulations to facilitate the secure return of ballots from military or overseas voters delivered through secure electronic transmission methods.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF