California bill would give free postage for mail ballots

[RandySF]

SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers are considering providing free postage for vote-by-mail ballots statewide.

A measure that cleared the Senate Thursday would require return ballot envelopes to have prepaid postage. Currently, some counties pay for return postage while others don’t.

Democratic Sen. Ricardo Lara says voting should be free for every person in California. Had the measure — AB216 — been in place for the 2016 general election it would have cost $5.5 million. The cost would be borne by counties, but they may be able to claim reimbursement from the state.

The Assembly has already approved the plan but must sign off on changes made in the Senate before the bill goes to Gov. Jerry Brown.

The bill was written by Democratic Assembly members Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher and Evan Low.


https://www.dailynews.com/2018/06/21/california-bill-would-give-free-postage-for-mail-ballots/

[SunSeeker]

1. Good!

Some counties already do this. Orange County doesn't, but it should. All should!

[RandySF]

2. It's free in San Francisco.

[Raine]

3. Los Angeles County doesn't do it either

and they should too!

[still_one]

4. It's free in Santa Clara County

[DFW]

5. My Texas absentee ballots have always been "no postage necessary if sent from the U.S."

Of course, they cost me over $4, since they get sent from Germany and are oversized. But Texas has no control over that, and I gladly pay the postage.

[BadgerMom]

6. I hope they do it.

Their performance on net neutrality and healthcare legislation leaves room for improvement.

[Laffy Kat]

7. This should already be the law. nt

[SharonClark]

8. Free in Iowa.