CA AB280

Establishes a state preclearance system requiring political subdivisions to submit voting-related law, regulation, or policy changes to the Secretary of State for approval before implementation.

Applies preclearance requirements to changes including at-large election conversions, electoral boundary changes affecting protected classes by 3% or more, voting location reductions, and multilingual voting material reductions.

Requires political subdivisions to prove by objective and compelling evidence that proposed voting changes will not have a discriminatory effect on or be motivated to reduce participation of protected classes (racial, color, or language minorities) representing at least 20% of citizen voting-age population.

Secretary of State must provide written decision within 60 days; political subdivision may implement change if no decision is issued within 60 days or may seek expedited review for demonstrated need.

Allows political subdivisions to appeal Secretary of State denials in Sacramento Superior Court; Attorney General may file suit to enjoin implementation of non-compliant voting policies; creates state-mandated local program requiring potential reimbursement.