Assemblymember Juan Alanis announced that Assembly Bill 16 (AB 16) has passed unanimously in the California State Assembly. The bill clarifies that county elections officials may begin processing vote-by-mail ballots up to 29 days before an election. It now awaits consideration by Governor Gavin Newsom.
“California’s electoral system is large and complex, handling millions of votes each cycle. Local elections officials are increasingly challenged to meet the high standard of timely and accurate results that voters expect,” said Assemblyman Alanis. “AB 16 simply helps counties get a head start on the paperwork, freeing up critical staff and resources to ensure smooth, efficient, and secure in-person operations on Election Day. This isn’t about changing outcomes, it’s about building public trust through greater transparency and faster, more reliable results.”
The legislation aims to help county elections officials manage the increasing number of vote-by-mail ballots by allowing earlier processing of return envelopes, damaged ballots, and write-in votes. However, it maintains strict rules prohibiting access to vote counts until polls close at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
AB 16 received bipartisan support during its progress through the legislature. If signed into law by the governor, it would join AB 17 as part of Alanis’ legislative package focused on election administration this year.
Assemblymember Juan Alanis represents California’s 22nd Assembly District, which includes Modesto and several surrounding communities.
