News Summary

A lawsuit filed by Representative Darrell Issa against California’s mail-in ballot policy could reshape voting procedures. The case questions the legality of counting ballots received after Election Day. With 81% of Californians voting by mail, the outcome may significantly impact voter turnout and rights, particularly among communities relying on mail-in voting. The League of Women Voters warns that stricter deadlines could disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of voters.

California is currently embroiled in a legal battle over mail-in ballot deadlines that could impact voter turnout and participation in upcoming elections. Representative Darrell Issa has filed a lawsuit against California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, challenging a policy that allows mail-in ballots to be counted if they are received up to seven days after Election Day, provided they are postmarked by that date. Issa claims that this policy does not comply with federal election laws.

The lawsuit calls for stricter measures that would require voters to send their ballots well in advance of Election Day, thereby ensuring that all ballots are counted on time. The case has significant implications for voters in California, as it comes at a time when a substantial percentage of the population relies on mail-in voting. In the last election, nearly 81% of Californians voted by mail, with statistics showing that over 80% of voters in Shasta County did the same.

The League of Women Voters of California has intervened in the lawsuit, arguing that changing the current mail-in ballot deadlines could potentially disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of voters. The League believes that it is critical to maintain the current timeline to ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in elections. They note that a staggering 99.88% of ballots are typically received within the seven-day timeframe after Election Day, underscoring why the existing policy should remain in place.

The ongoing lawsuit has raised concerns regarding voter rights and accessibility, especially among communities that may be disproportionately affected by tighter deadlines. Opponents of Issa’s lawsuit express fears that the intent behind the legal action may indeed be to disenfranchise voters who might not support him, as suggested in the claims made against him by the League of Women Voters.

The current mail-in ballot standard was established by California state legislators in 2021 after a temporary extension during the COVID-19 pandemic. The push for a more lenient deadline was influenced by the significant rise in mail-in voting during that period, which has now become a mainstay in California electoral procedures.

In Shasta County specifically, the upcoming 2024 Presidential General Election is set for November 5, 2024, during which voters will be addressing various local races and measures such as city council and school board elections, as well as propositions related to education and fire protection services. A total of 59 separate ballots are scheduled to be issued based on district specifications.

Voter registration for the 2024 election can be undertaken online, by mail, or in person. The deadline for voters to register is October 21, 2024. Ballots for the election are expected to be mailed out starting on October 7, and ballot drop-off locations will open the following day. For ballots to be effectively counted, they must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by November 12, 2024. In-person voting will also be available on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Additionally, voters can track the status of their mail-in ballots and request replacements through established channels. However, recent reports indicate a significant issue with ballot scanning in Shasta County, raising concerns about the accurate counting of votes.

This ongoing legal dispute highlights the contentious nature of voting procedures and election integrity in California, with both sides emphasizing the importance of making the voting process accessible and reliable for all citizens.