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Bill

SB 91

All-mailed ballot elections: vote centers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Allen and 1 co-sponsor

SB 91 authorizes California counties to conduct all-mail ballot elections with mandatory vote centers for in-person voting, expanding access while maintaining traditional voting options.

From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on ELECTIONS.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 91

Legislative bill overview

SB 91 would establish a framework for California counties to conduct all-mail ballot elections while maintaining physical vote centers as backup voting locations. The bill aims to expand voting accessibility by allowing counties to conduct elections primarily through mail distribution, with in-person voting options available at designated centers during early voting and Election Day.

Why is this important

Mail-in voting expands access for voters with mobility challenges, work conflicts, or transportation barriers, while vote centers provide flexibility for those who prefer in-person voting or need to vote same-day. This approach attempts to balance convenience with security and accommodates California's diverse population across urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Counties would bear expenses for establishing and staffing vote centers, raising concerns about unfunded mandates on local budgets
  • Mail delivery reliability: Dependence on postal service delivery raises concerns about ballots not arriving on time, particularly in rural or underserved areas
  • Ballot security and verification: All-mail systems require robust tracking and signature verification procedures to prevent fraud or lost ballots, which some view as more challenging than traditional voting
  • Equity concerns: Despite good intentions, mail-in voting may disadvantage unhoused voters, those with unstable addresses, or individuals with limited English proficiency who need in-person assistance

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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