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Bill

S 7689

Relates to voting of overseas military voters and special federal voters

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Fahy and 1 co-sponsor

Relates to overseas military and special federal voters; clarifies ballot transmission, counting, and deadlines to boost participation.

REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 7689

Legislative Summary: S 7689 – Relates to voting of overseas military voters and special federal voters

Overview

  • Bill Number: S 7689
  • Title: Relates to voting of overseas military voters and special federal voters
  • Status: Referred to Election Law (in the Senate)
  • Introduced: April 29, 2025
  • Version: S7689A (amended version printed May 14, 2025)
  • Primary sponsor: James Skoufis
  • Co-sponsor: Patricia Fahy
  • Related bill: A 8257 (companion)

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • 2025-04-29: Referred to Elections
  • 2025-05-14: Print number 7689A (amendment and recombine to Elections)
  • 2025-06-04: Committee discharged and committed to Rules; Ordered to Third Reading (Cal. 1550)
  • 2025-06-11: Passed the Senate (two identical entries show “PASSED SENATE” on the same day)
  • 2025-06-11: Delivered to Assembly; Referred to Election Law
  • 2025-06-11: Referred to Election Law (Assembly)
  • Note: The bill has a companion in the Assembly (A 8257)

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill addresses voting processes for overseas voters, specifically overseas military voters, and “special federal voters.” While the full text is not provided here, the title indicates an intent to modify or clarify procedures governing how these voters cast and have their ballots counted, presumably to improve accessibility, reliability, or timeliness of participation for individuals voting from abroad.

Key Provisions (Guidance Based on Title; text not provided)

  • The exact provisions are not included in the information provided. As a result, the following are indicative areas these types of bills typically address:
    • Voter registration and access for overseas and special federal voters
    • Absentee/distinct ballots designed for overseas voters
    • Ballot transmission, receipt, and counting timelines
    • Certification or verification procedures for overseas ballots
    • Notification and information accessibility (how overseas voters receive ballot information and deadlines)
    • Coordination with state and federal election requirements
  • The amended version S7689A (printed May 14, 2025) suggests there were changes to the original provisions, though the specifics are not listed here.

Affected Parties and Stakeholders

  • Primary: Overseas military voters and other special federal voters
  • Election administrations: Statewide and county boards of elections responsible for processing overseas ballots
  • Campaigns and voters’ rights organizations interested in voting access and reliability

Potential Impact

  • Access and participation: Could enhance the ability of overseas and special federal voters to participate in elections by clarifying processes, deadlines, or transmission methods.
  • Administration: May require changes to election-day procedures, ballot handling, and reporting timelines for overseas ballots.
  • Budget and implementation: Depending on the changes, there could be administrative cost implications for states/counties to implement new procedures.

Additional Context

  • Companion bill: A 8257 (Assembly)
  • The text’s absence here means readers should consult the official bill files for S 7689 and S 7689A to review the exact proposed changes, timelines, and any fiscal notes.

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

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