California Senate Approves Bill to Protect Military and Overseas Voters

The California State Senate has approved Senate Bill 970, aimed at protecting the voting rights of military personnel overseas and Americans abroad. - The bill passed 29-1 and directs the Secretary of State to create a secure voting process.

- Federal termination of the DOD Fax Service and USPS mail cuts have limited ballot return options. - A 2004 survey found 1 in 7 service members did not receive a mail ballot in time.

- The bill now heads to an Assembly policy committee for further consideration. This legislation seeks to ensure that all Californians, regardless of their location, can exercise their right to vote.