AB 562 Summary

• Extends the deadline for counting vote-by-mail ballots from election day to 3 days after election day if the ballot is postmarked on or before election day, or if unsigned/undated, the envelope is signed and dated by election day

• Applies the 3-day extension to both regular vote-by-mail ballots and ballots cast in fully mail-based elections (previously requiring 8 p.m. return on election day)

• Changes the deadline for elections officials to submit certified election results from 28 days to 31 days after the election

• Declares the measure an urgency statute to take effect immediately, citing U.S. Postal Service facility closures and mail delivery delays that could cause voter disenfranchisement before the November 6, 2012 general election

• Establishes that any state-mandated local program costs resulting from this act shall be reimbursed to counties and school districts pursuant to existing reimbursement procedures