Elections and voting procedures.

Assembly Member Ward's elections reform package extends California's mail ballot deadline and revises the state's recount procedures. Under the legislation, mail ballots would be considered timely if received up to seven days after election day, provided they meet existing postmark requirements - an increase from the current three-day window.

The bill establishes new protocols for election recounts, allowing voters who request them to specify both the method and sequence. Requesters may choose between manual counts of paper ballots or ballot images when available, and can determine the order of precinct counting or ballot batch processing. In multi-county recounts, the requester may also specify the sequence of county participation. When multiple recount requests conflict on methodology, manual paper ballot counts take precedence.

The legislation outlines administrative requirements for recount operations, mandating that elections officials convene four-person recount boards whose members must be eligible to register to vote in California if involved in ballot tallying. Recount requesters must provide daily deposits to cover costs, with refunds available if the recount changes the outcome. The bill also establishes notification protocols, requiring officials to post recount notices and results while prohibiting unauthorized access to voting systems and voter information.

For recounts involving an elections official's own contest, the bill requires appointment of a qualified alternative supervisor with demonstrated experience in election administration and recount procedures. This provision allows the elections office to prepare for the recount while the alternative supervisor is selected.