AB 1993: Voting by mail: identification envelopes.

California · Assembly · 2025–2026 Regular Session · last verified April 30, 2026

What AB 1993 does, verified April 30, 2026

This bill aims to improve the voting by mail process in California by requiring a specific design for identification envelopes used to mail ballots. The envelopes must have openings, such as perforations or windows, at least one-half inch away from any fillable fields on the ballot. This change is intended to prevent voters from easily altering their selections. The bill also requires the state to adopt regulations implementing this new requirement. The changes will apply to all elections conducted on or after January 1, 2028. The state will be responsible for reimbursing local agencies and school districts for any additional costs associated with implementing this new requirement.

Bill journey

✓IntroducedComplete

2In CommitteeCurrent

3First Chamber FloorPending

4Second ChamberPending

5GovernorPending

6ChapteredPending

Last action: From committee: Without further action pursuant to Joint Rule 62(a). (2026-04-28)Alert me

Author and sponsors

Asm. Carl DeMaioAuthor · California State Assembly

Full contact details, staff, and committees with Connect, $16/moUnlock

Recent actions5 total · showing 5

Apr. 28, 2026	From committee: Without further action pursuant to Joint Rule 62(a).
Mar. 25, 2026	In committee: Set, first hearing. Failed passage.
Mar. 02, 2026	Referred to Com. on ELECTIONS.
Feb. 18, 2026	From printer. May be heard in committee March 20.
Feb. 17, 2026	Read first time. To print.

Latest bill textIntroduced version, February 17, 2026 · 435 words

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill

No. 1993

Introduced by Assembly Member DeMaio

February 17, 2026

An act to add Section 3011.5 to the Elections Code, relating to elections.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 1993, as introduced, DeMaio. Voting by mail: identification envelopes.

Existing law requires an elections official to mail to each registered voter all supplies necessary for the use and return of a ballot, including an identification envelope, by specified deadlines before each election.

This bill would require any perforation, hole, window, or other opening in an identification envelope to be located not less than one-half inch from any fillable field on the ballot, as measured when the ballot is fully inserted into the envelope according to instructions provided to the voter. The bill would require the Secretary of State to adopt regulations implementing the section. The bill would apply to all elections conducted on or after January 1, 2028.

By imposing new duties on local elections officials, the bill would create a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Section 3011.5 is added to the Elections Code, to read:

3011.5.

(a) (1) Any perforation, hole, window, or other opening in an identification envelope shall be located not less than one-half inch from a fillable field on the ballot, as measured when the ballot is fully inserted into the envelope according to instructions provided to the voter.

(2) For purposes of this section, “fillable field” means any voting target or other area of the ballot intended for a voter to mark a vote, write in a candidate, or indicate any other voting preference.

(b) The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations to implement this section, including regulations governing standards for identification envelope and ballot alignment, testing procedures, and requirements for certifying compliance with this section.

SEC. 2.

If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

Text of AB 1993 as introduced, from the official record. Connect Plus keeps every version and highlights what changed.Compare versions