Elections: voter registration.

Assembly Member Berman's voter registration modernization measure expands electronic registration options for Californians who lack driver's licenses or state identification cards. Under the proposal, qualified voters could register online by providing the last four digits of their Social Security number rather than state-issued ID credentials.

The Secretary of State would develop new systems to collect and verify electronic signatures from these registrants, with requirements that the process remain accessible to people with disabilities. County election officials would be authorized to use these electronic signatures when verifying vote-by-mail ballot envelopes. The measure establishes an identity verification protocol requiring the Secretary of State to authenticate registrants' Social Security numbers, full names, and dates of birth.

For those unable to complete the electronic submission process, the bill preserves the option to print and mail or hand-deliver registration forms to election officials. The Department of Motor Vehicles would maintain its existing voter registration responsibilities while coordinating with the Secretary of State on secure data transfer protocols. These changes would take effect September 1, 2027, allowing time for system development and implementation.