(AP) — The California Assembly has approved a bill that would allow voters to designate anyone to turn in their mail-in ballots for them.
AB1921 by Democratic Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez of San Diego would modify an existing law that limits those designees to immediate family members and housemates.
Democratic Assemblyman Mike Gatto of Glendale joined 26 Republicans in voting against the proposal in the Assembly's 45-27 vote Monday.
Republican Assemblyman Matthew Harper of Huntington Beach says it would increase the likelihood of ballots being destroyed or altered before they're turned in.
Gonzalez argued that bribery, modification and deliberately withholding someone else's ballot would remain illegal under her proposal.
It would also prohibit people from being paid to return ballots.
Gonzalez says Texas, Oregon, Arkansas and Colorado have similar laws.
Follow us for more stories like this
CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you. As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.
Donate Today
