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Bill

SB 970

Military or overseas voters.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sabrina Cervantes and 1 co-sponsor

SB 970 lets military/overseas voters electronically request ballots, receive info, use secure electronic ballot return, and uses a standardized declaration and materials.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 30). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 970

Summary of California SB 970 (2025-2026) – Military or Overseas Voters

1) Purpose and Intent

  • SB 970, introduced by Senator Cervantes, aims to enhance voting processes for military and overseas voters.
  • The bill focuses on enabling secure electronic return of ballots and clarifying the procedures for voting from abroad or while in the military.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Amends Elections Code Section 3101 to:

    • (a) Affirm enforcement responsibilities of the SOS under existing Government Code provisions.
    • (b) Require the Secretary of State (SOS) to provide information to military and overseas voters about:
    • Voter registration procedures for military/overseas voters.
    • Procedures for casting ballots by these voters.
    • (c) Require the SOS to promulgate regulations to facilitate the secure return of ballots delivered via secure electronic transmission methods.
    • (d) Require each local elections official to ensure their jurisdiction has a system that allows military or overseas voters to electronically request a ballot and access related information.
    • (e) Require the SOS to develop standardized voting materials for military/overseas voters.
    • (f) Require the SOS to prescribe the form and content of a declaration that a military or overseas voter must swornly affirm, covering:
    • Identity and eligibility to vote.
    • Status as a military or overseas voter.
    • Timely and proper completion of the ballot.
    • The declaration will be based on the federal Write-In Absentee Ballot declaration, adapted to align with this chapter.
    • Mandate that the declaration form, including the date of execution, be a prominent part of all balloting materials that require the declaration.

  • Additional organizational notes:

    • The bill emphasizes electronic access: the ability for voters to electronically request ballots and receive information.
    • It calls for standardized, clearly defined materials and a standardized declaration form to accompany ballots.

3) Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Military and overseas voters would gain:

    • Clear information and streamlined procedures for voting.
    • Authority to electronically request ballots and receive related information.
    • A standardized declaration process to accompany ballots.
    • A pathway for securely returning ballots via electronic transmission methods (subject to SOS regulations).

  • Local elections officials (Elections Officials for each district) would be required to:

    • Provide and maintain systems enabling electronic ballot requests and information access for military/overseas voters.

  • The Secretary of State would:

    • Develop standardized voting materials.
    • Promulgate regulations to facilitate secure electronic ballot return.
    • Create and oversee the declaration form standards and ensure proper implementation.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status and actions:

    • Introduced: February 3, 2026.
    • Referenced as part of the 2025–2026 Regular Session for California.
    • Action history indicates passage through initial committee stages and scheduling for subsequent hearings in April 2026, with the bill currently on a suspense file or awaiting further committee actions as of the latest record.

  • Fiscal considerations:

    • No appropriation is identified in the bill text itself; fiscal committee noted as present, suggesting potential budgetary considerations may be addressed in committee or later amendments.

  • Regulatory pathway:

    • The bill contemplates SOS promulgation of regulations to operationalize secure electronic ballot transmission and return, implying ongoing rulemaking beyond the bill’s enactment.

If you’d like, I can provide a comparison with current law (Elections Code 3101 as of prior sessions) or aPlain-language FAQ to help voters understand how the changes might affect them.

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

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