July 8th, 2025

Special Announcement: Brought to you by Roadrunner395.com

“Statewide frustration and national derision focused on California’s inability to provide election results in a timely fashion are finally receiving some attention from the legislature. But they shy away from doing anything meaningful to resolve the situation.” Linda Paine, President and Co-founder, Election Integrity Project®California

We know what they’re doing, thanks to:

California Legislature—An Open Book Part 1 – July 8, 2025     For 30 years, the California legislature has been passing laws that have incrementally undermined the integrity of the election process. As a result, we have a complex, confusing, and highly porous system that begs to be manipulated.   Just when we think it cannot get any worse, more proposed laws enter the system and we see they have not yet run out of bad ideas. Below is a brief overview of a few of the worst bills that appear destined to pass this session.   Statewide frustration and national derision focused on Caifornia’s inability to provide election results in a timely fashion are finally receiving some attention from the legislature. But they shy away from doing anything meaningful to resolve the situation.   Unwilling to change the policies that are responsible (37-day voting period, universal vote by mail, 7-day post-Election Day grace period for ballot arrival, 28-day after Election Day curing period, to name a few), they propose bills like AB 5 and AB 16, full of symbolism and completely lacking in substance.   AB 5 would require all ballots to be processed and tabulated within 13 days after Election Day, EXCEPT for: late ballots   provisional ballots and conditional ballots. All other deadlines remain the same and certification is still 30 days after Election Day!   NOTHING is accomplished (except perhaps rushed and thus more inaccurate processing of ballots). All symbolism, no substance. But it looks good, “See, folks, we’re trying.”   AB 16 proposes changes to a current law that allows counties “with the appropriate technology” to begin processing of mail-in ballots as early as 29 days before Election Day.  If AB 16 passes, ALL counties will be required to do so.   Again, this accomplishes nothing in terms of achieving election results within a reasonable period of time after Election Day. The 30-day wait period is not shortened, but the intention is to feign concern – again symbolism over substance.   Another set of proposals, AB 1249 and AB 1411 focuses on increasing voter registration and providing more convenient voting locations – both good things.   HOWEVER…   Closer examination shows both bills have a potential partisan bias and invite manipulation by elections officials, or others willing to cheat in order to “win”.   AB 1249 addresses the counties not under the Voters Choice Act (VCA), which requires a certain number of Vote Centers to be open for 10 days prior to Election Day, and more for 3 days prior. Non-VCA counties have precinct polling locations open only on Election Day. Early voting takes place at the Registrar’s office during the 29 days before Election Day.   AB 1249 would require at least one full-service early voting satellite location in the non-VCA counties for a minimum of 6 hours on the Saturday before Election Day. These satellite locations are to be announced at least 2 weeks in advance of their opening.   EIPCa’s concerns are:   In counties of large area, or with challenging commute within the county due to geographical complexity, the addition of only one satellite may be insufficient.   Qualifying counties under this statute should be evaluated by the SOS for ease or difficulty of voter access, and assigned a number of satellites deemed necessary by circumstances unique to them. There is no legitimate reason for satellite “pop-ups” that are not part of the original election plan.   Allowing pop-up satellites that have not been announced before the 29-day early voting period begins opens the door for capricious, partisan placement decisions designed to benefit a single party or candidate rather than to benefit the county’s voters as a whole.   Establishing pop-ups without full appropriate notice ensures that fewer voters (or only targeted voters) will be notified of the expanded voting opportunities.   The number and locations of early voting satellites should be determined and publicized at the same time and in the same ways (voter information mailings, Public Service Announcements, website postings and as many other methods as possible) as polling locations are determined and publicized – well in advance of the 29-day early voting season.   The public should know from the very beginning of the election season what ALL their voting options will be.   Satellites should also be determined so that all voters of the county are equally served with no consideration other than convenience and accessibility to the population of the county as a whole.   AB 1411 begins by stating that the intent of the Legislature is “to maintain voter registration at the highest possible level” and proposes that non-VCA counties “shall design and implement a voter education and outreach plan pursuant to this section. The purpose of the plan shall be to identify and register qualified electors who are not registered to vote and to encourage participation in the electoral process.”   EIPCa’s concerns are:   The intent of the Legislature should NOT be “to maintain voter registration at the highest possible level” but “to educate and motivate as many eligible California citizens as possible to register, vote and engage in the process of citizen self-governance.”   High numbers on the voter rolls are dangerous and certainly not boast-worthy if they are bolstered by ineligible registrants (non-citizens, deceased, duplicates and those no longer living in California). All are easy ammunition for fraudsters due to California’s lack of proof of citizenship and voter ID requirements.   All eligible Californians should be the focus of such an education and motivation campaign, not just potential voters in selected counties.   AB 1411 as currently written is careless in its language and inexplicably narrow in its focus.   By proposing bills such as those listed above, the legislature clearly reveals its focus and agenda.   THEY ARE AN OPEN BOOK. We would be wise to read it.   It might seem there is no way to reverse the damage. Is California a lost cause? NO. Now that the agenda is no longer under wraps, there is a way to STOP and REVERSE IT.   YOU can help bring sanity back to California. Support EIPCa’s diverse strategy for change by reading and sharing our emails, following our lead, and keeping these efforts healthy through your donations. Join the growing number of citizens letting the legislature know they are no longer operating in a vacuum of ignorant citizens. Sign up to participate with California Action for Legislative Accountability today.   click here for pdf     Linda Paine, President and Co-founder, Election Integrity Project®California View on website   DONATE – EIPCa is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) charity. Contributions are tax-deductible.  Contribute – Election Integrity Project California   Election Integrity Project®California is a nonprofit public benefit organization   EIPCa is a 501(c)(3) Organization. All Contributions are Tax Deductible to the full extend of the law.   Visit EIPCa Please consider donating to the work of Election Integrity Project®California.

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