AB 1249 would require at least one Saturday early-voting site in counties not using the Voter—s Choice Act

Assemblymember Wilson presented AB 1249, a Secretary of State-sponsored bill that would require counties that have not adopted the Voter's Choice Act (VCA) to offer at least one early voting location on the Saturday before a statewide election. The bill also allows voters to submit their vote-by-mail ballots in person at county elections offices and satellite locations without the outer identification envelope (the bill—s text preserves existing verification procedures).

Tim Cromartie (Secretary of State) and Savannah Jorgensen (League of Women Voters) testified in support. The Secretary—s office said the change is a measured approach to reduce disparities in early-voting access between VCA and non-VCA counties and that Saturday voting improves access for working families, caregivers and those with transportation challenges. Jorgensen noted early voting centers provide language assistance and accessible voting and that additional in-person opportunities may reduce ballots rejected for signature issues.

Witnesses including California Common Cause and Disability Rights California supported the bill. Committee members pressed the author on verification procedures for ballots surrendered in person; witnesses explained the bill does not change existing verification rules, only where the verification and surrender may occur.

The committee later recorded a roll-call vote that moved the bill forward.

Votes at a glance: Motion to pass as amended; committee result recorded as yes 4, no 1 in the committee proceedings.

Ending: The author accepted committee amendments; cosponsors said they would work on outreach requirements to inform voters of the new opportunities.