Assemblyman Juan Alanis has introduced two bills aimed at reforming California’s election process, emphasizing the need for quicker election results and greater public access to information. Assembly Bill 16 would allow early processing of mail-in ballots, while Assembly Bill 17 mandates transparency regarding precinct boundaries. Alanis seeks bipartisan collaboration to improve the electoral system and restore public trust in elections.
Assemblyman Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) recently introduced two bills aimed at enhancing California’s election processes as the new legislative session commences. The need for improvement became particularly evident following the lengthy counting period of the recent race for California’s 13th Congressional District, which concluded with only a narrow margin of 187 votes. Alanis expressed embarrassment over the prolonged delay in reporting results, emphasizing that other countries of similar size can report outcomes within hours.
Assembly Bill 16 proposes that election officials begin processing mail-in ballots immediately upon their receipt, rather than waiting until Election Day, potentially allowing for ballot processing up to three weeks earlier. Alanis acknowledges local officials’ dedication to election integrity but asserts that Sacramento policies are contributing to slow count times. By addressing these legislative bottlenecks, Alanis aims to expedite results while maintaining voting accessibility.
Furthermore, Assembly Bill 17 seeks to enhance public access to county election information by mandating local registrars to provide details regarding the boundaries of each precinct. Alanis believes that public access to precinct information is crucial for rebuilding trust in the electoral process. Historically, voters have faced challenges tracking vote totals due to the necessity of navigating multiple county websites.
Alanis recognizes that numerous elected officials are considering their own proposals to address election-related concerns this year and expresses his intention to collaborate across party lines to produce effective solutions. He stated, “I am open to dialogue, discussion and debate on these ideas.” The introduction of these bills coincides with the start of the 2025-26 legislative year, as Alanis advocates for the utilization of available technology to expedite the electoral process.
The introduction of these bills by Assemblyman Juan Alanis comes in response to the significant delays experienced in reporting election results in California’s 13th Congressional District. Following a highly contested race with limited vote margins, Alanis seeks to address systemic inefficiencies that lead to public frustration and distrust concerning the state’s electoral integrity. The proposed legislation focuses on leveraging technology and improving transparency by enhancing voting procedures and providing vital information to the public, which is increasingly seen as necessary to maintain democratic engagement.
In conclusion, Assemblyman Alanis’s introduction of Assembly Bills 16 and 17 reflects a proactive approach toward reforming California’s election processes. By allowing the early processing of mail-in ballots and ensuring public access to precinct boundaries, the goal is to build public trust, enhance the efficiency of election procedures, and ultimately improve engagement in the electoral process. Alanis’s commitment to bipartisan dialogue underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing election-related concerns and modernizing the state’s electoral system.
Original Source: www.cerescourier.com
