Voting in Two States Now a Misdemeanor under New California Law.
A New California Law Aims to Prevent Double Voting
A new California law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on October 10, has taken a stand against double voting. Under this law, it is now a misdemeanor for California residents to vote in another state if they have already cast their vote in California on the same date.
The bill, known as Assembly Bill 1539 and authored by Assemblyman Marc Berman, seeks to address a gap in the previous law. The prior law did not cover individuals who voted both in California and in another state, whether in person or through a mail-in ballot.
“Voting twice in the same election in two different states is a violation of the principle of one-person, one-vote,” said Mr. Berman in a press release. “AB 1539 ensures that California does not have to rely on another state’s laws to address the issue of multi-state double voting.”
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According to a Senate analysis, 13 states already prohibit voting in multiple states, including Arizona, Oregon, and Colorado.
The inspiration for this bill came from a couple who had been voting in both California and Oregon for the past decade. The Santa Clara County District Attorney discovered this violation of the law, which is considered a felony in Oregon.
“One person, one vote. It’s our Democracy and we have to take care of it,” said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen.
While investigating the case, the Santa Clara County District Attorney found three more residents who had voted in both California and another state. However, due to California’s incomplete law, their prosecution had to be deferred to the other states involved.
Assemblyman Berman emphasized that this new law aims to strengthen election integrity and counter any claims that elections in California are not secure.
“Voter fraud is exceedingly rare, and it is vitally important that any instances not be used to promote baseless claims to undermine confidence in our elections,” he stated.
Despite the intentions behind the law, the Election Integrity Project California, a nonpartisan volunteer group advocating for election integrity, expressed opposition. They believe that the penalty for double voting should be more severe, suggesting a felony charge instead of a misdemeanor.
“Voters need to know that their state officials, legislators, and law enforcement officials are protective of their rights, especially their civil right to be secure in knowing that each citizen gets ONE vote, that no one is more ’equal’ than anyone else, and that the penalty for breaching that trust is severe enough to be a powerful deterrent,” their letter reads.
What are the potential consequences for individuals who engage in double voting under AB 1539
Atewide
Published on 6/15/2023 The new law aims to reinforce the fundamental democratic principle of one-person, one-vote. By explicitly criminalizing double voting, the state of California hopes to deter individuals from attempting to manipulate the electoral process. Double voting is not a widespread issue, but it is important to address any potential vulnerabilities in the electoral system. The ability to vote twice in the same election compromises the integrity of the democratic process and undermines the trust that citizens place in their government. Prior to the passage of AB 1539, California law prohibited individuals from voting in multiple jurisdictions within the state. However, it did not explicitly address the issue of voting in another state after already casting a vote in California. This loophole allowed some individuals to potentially exploit the system and vote twice. Assemblyman Marc Berman recognized the need to close this gap and ensure that California remains vigilant against any attempts to undermine the fairness and accuracy of the electoral process. AB 1539 is a proactive measure taken to protect the integrity of elections and uphold the principle of one-person, one-vote. Under the new law, any California resident who votes in another state after casting their vote in California will be guilty of a misdemeanor. The penalties for double voting can include fines, probation, and even imprisonment in some cases. By establishing clear consequences for such actions, the law serves as a deterrent to potential offenders. The passage of AB 1539 also sends a strong message to other states. California is taking the issue of double voting seriously and will not rely on other jurisdictions to address this problem. It is important for all states to be vigilant in protecting the integrity of their elections, and California’s proactive approach sets an example for other states to follow. While the new law is an important step toward preventing double voting, it is not a standalone solution. Safeguarding the integrity of elections requires a multi-faceted approach that includes measures such as voter education, robust voter registration systems, and enhanced collaboration between states to ensure accurate voter roll maintenance. AB 1539 serves as a reminder that protecting the integrity of elections is a responsibility that falls on both the government and the citizens. It is crucial for individuals to understand the importance and sanctity of the democratic process and to adhere to the laws that uphold it. By respecting the principle of one-person, one-vote, Californians can contribute to a fair and transparent electoral system. The passage of AB 1539 is a significant milestone in California’s ongoing efforts to fortify the electoral process. It serves as a powerful deterrent against double voting and reaffirms the state’s commitment to upholding the fundamental principles of democracy. As the law takes effect, it is expected to contribute to the overall integrity and trustworthiness of California’s elections, ensuring that every vote counts and that the will of the people is accurately reflected at the ballot box.
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