Vacancies in office: special elections.

Existing law requires the Governor to issue a proclamation calling a special election to fill a vacancy in the office of Representative in Congress or either house of the Legislature within 14 days of when the vacancy occurs. Existing law requires that a special general election be conducted to fill the vacancy on a Tuesday at least 112 days, but not more than 126 days, following the issuance of the election proclamation. Existing law requires that a special primary election be conducted on a Tuesday either 8 or 9 weeks prior to the date of the special general election, as specified. Existing law imposes deadlines relating to the filing of nomination papers for a candidate in a special primary election, as specified. Existing law also imposes deadlines for submitting an application for a vote by mail ballot in a special election. This bill would, instead, require that the special general election occur at least 126 days, but not more than 140 days, after the issuance of the election proclamation. In addition, this bill would require that the special primary election be conducted on a Tuesday either 9 or 10 weeks prior to the date of the special general election, as specified. This bill would also revise the deadlines relating to the filing of nomination papers for a candidate in a special primary election. The bill would require that an application for a vote by mail ballot in a special election be made in the same manner as for a regular election. By imposing new duties or higher levels of service on local elections officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.