What has changed in the ballot pick up and delivery law?
Previously, a voter could only designate a family member or household member to return their vote-by-mail ballot. California law now allows any person to return another voter's vote-by-mail ballot with the condition that the person returning another voter's ballot is not allowed to receive any form of compensation based on the number of returned ballots.
Does the compensation (based on the number of ballots) restriction only apply to individuals?
The law prohibits an individual, group, or organization from providing compensation to any person based on the number of returned ballots.
What is considered compensation?
"Compensation" means any form of money, goods, services, benefits, promises, offers of employment, or any other form of consideration offered to another person in exchange for returning another voter's vote-by-mail ballot.
Will my vote count if my vote-by-mail ballot is returned by someone who is paid based on the number of ballots returned?
No, any ballot returned by a person compensated to do so will not be counted.
Is there a limit on the number of vote-by-mail ballots that can be returned by a person who has been designated by the Voters to return their ballots?
No, there is no limit.
Does the ballot envelope need to indicate who delivered the ballot?
Yes, the ballot envelope contains a section that must be filled out by the voter indicating the name of the person authorized to return their ballot, and the relationship (if any) to the voter. The individual returning the ballot must sign in this section.
Can the person delivering the ballot on behalf of the voter mail the ballot?
Yes, the person delivering the ballot on behalf of the voter can mail their ballot. [EC§ 3017 (a)(2)], effective January 1, 2019 (AB306).
How can I check if I am registered to receive a vote-by-mail ballot?
Voters can check their vote-by-mail status by visiting the Orange County Registrar of Voters' website here.
Where can I find more information about vote-by-mail voting?
Voters can learn more about vote-by-mail voting at the Orange County Registrar of Voters' website here.