Sen. Wahab’s SB 259 would make willful interference with vote-by-mail a felony

Sen. Wahab told the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Aug. 27 that SB 259 is intended to deter interference with California’s vote-by-mail system, which she said is used by more than 80% of California voters. "SB 259 will create a new felony to deter anyone in a position of authority from interfering with the delivery or submission of a vote by mail ballot," she said.

Beth Malinowski of SEIU California, a listed sponsor, urged the committee to adopt the measure. "SEIU California is committed to safeguarding the right to vote," she said, and described SB 259 as building on prior election-safeguarding legislation. Malinowski noted the bill distinguishes willful interference from accidental errors by local election officials.

A committee member moved the bill; the clerk recorded that SB 259 was "due pass and out on a b roll call with mister Hoover not voting," indicating the committee advanced the measure to the next legislative step. There was no recorded formal opposition during the hearing.

The bill now proceeds according to the legislative calendar; committee action was recorded as a due-pass roll call that advances SB 259 for further consideration.