Title
Consider taking a position on the amended version of Assembly Bill 280, by Assembly Member Luis Alejo (D-30), regarding voting rights, which would establish a state preclearance system. (ADDED VIA ADDENDUM)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors consider taking a position on the amended version of Assembly Bill 280, by Assembly Member Luis Alejo (D-30), regarding voting rights, which would establish a state preclearance system.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On June 10, 2014, the Board of Supervisors took a "support" position on Assembly Bill (AB) 280, legislation introduced by Assembly Member Luis Alejo (D-30), which pertains to voting rights, and which would establish a state preclearance system applicable only to Monterey, Kings and Yuba Counties.
On June 18, 2014, Assembly Member Alejo and principal coauthor Senator Alex Padilla (D-20) introduced significant changes to AB 280, which would now establish a state preclearance system, rather than a preclearance system applicable only to Monterey, Kings and Yuba Counties. AB 280 will be heard in the California Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments on Tuesday, June 24th. Due to the significant changes made to AB 280, Assembly Member Alejo has requested that Monterey County review the changes and consider taking a position on the amended version of the bill.
Specifically, AB 280 (Alejo and Padilla) would require any political subdivision, where two or more racial or ethnic groups represent 20% or more of the voting age population that would change a voting- related law, regulation or policy to be required to obtain pre-clearance through the Secretary of State.
In addition, AB 280 (Alejo and Padilla) would provide protections for covered practices that are known to have a disparate impact on racial or ethnic groups and voters who are limited-English-proficient. The covered practices that would trigger a state-level preclearance are the following: ...
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