Vote by mail ballots and early voting

The law requires statewide procedures to help counties securely handle vote-by-mail ballots cast in person. It also ensures voters receive information on early-voting and in-person vote-by-mail options.

What the law does ​

• Requires the Secretary of State to issue and post procedures for counties to check in voters, verify the correct ballot, protect ballot secrecy, and prevent duplicate in-person vote-by-mail submissions without identification envelopes.
• Requires the Secretary of State to consider counties’ different voting systems and consult county registrars and election stakeholders when writing the procedures.
• Requires counties and the Secretary of State to include early-voting and in-person vote-by-mail information in voter education and outreach plans.
• Adds explanations of in-person vote-by-mail options and required Saturday early voting to the state voter information guide.
• Takes effect immediately to include the information in the guide before the November 3, 2026 statewide general election.

Who it affects ​

• Voters who cast vote-by-mail ballots in person.
• County elections officials and county registrars of voters.
• The Secretary of State.

Context ​

Counties that do not use all-mailed ballot elections must provide at least one Saturday early-voting location open for at least six hours before a statewide election.