Newsom signs bills to prevent interference in California elections
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed a package of election-related bills Saturday aimed at limiting law enforcement interference with ballots and election administration ahead of the November midterm elections.
TL;DR
- New felony penalties are established for the seizure of ballots and election records.
- Law enforcement activities near polling places are restricted.
- Access to ballot drop-off locations will be expanded.
- The legislation aims to protect election administration from interference.
- One bill makes it a felony to seize ballots or election records, carrying up to four years in prison.
- Another bill creates a felony for interfering with the delivery of vote-by-mail ballots.
- New laws also require notification of the secretary of state and attorney general regarding certain law enforcement actions on election records.
- The package includes expanded election materials in other languages and protections against voter suppression.
- Newsom cited past actions by the Trump administration involving mail voting and election monitors as reasons for the new laws.