California Assembly Bill AB1116

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 3/10/25
• Report Pass: 3/28/25
• Refer: 4/1/25
• Report Pass: 4/21/25
• Refer: 4/23/25
• Refer: 4/30/25
• Report Pass: 5/23/25
• Engrossed: 6/3/25
• Refer: 6/4/25
• Refer: 6/18/25
• Report Pass: 6/23/25
• Refer: 6/23/25

Caption

An act to amend, repeal, and add Section 2196 of the Elections Code, relating to elections.

Impact

The bill significantly broadens the eligibility for electronic voter registration. By allowing applicants without a California driver's license or state ID to register digitally, AB 1116 aims to increase voter participation among underrepresented communities, including young voters, transient populations, and those with disabilities. The initiative requires the Secretary of State to ensure that the signature upload process is accessible to people with disabilities, reinforcing California's commitment to inclusive governance.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1116, introduced by Assembly Member Berman, seeks to amend the Elections Code to enhance the voter registration process in California. The bill allows individuals who are qualified to register to vote to submit their voter registration affidavit electronically, even if they do not possess a California driver's license or state identification card. Instead, these individuals can provide the last four digits of their social security number, in coordination with a digitized image of their signature, for verification on the Secretary of State's website. This provision aims to make the registration process more accessible, particularly for those who may not have access to conventional forms of ID.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 1116 appears generally positive, with supporters highlighting its potential to simplify the voter registration process and improve accessibility. However, it has also drawn some concerns regarding the security of electronic submissions and the verification of identity through social security numbers. Lawmakers debated whether the increased flexibility would open the doors to fraudulent registrations or if the safeguards put in place would sufficiently mitigate those risks.

Contention

Debates over AB 1116 reflect a broader discussion on election integrity and access. Some legislators expressed concern about the reliability of using social security numbers and digitized signatures for voter verification, worried that weaknesses in electronic systems could be exploited. Others insisted that the modernization of voter registration methods must be accompanied by stringent security measures to prevent identity theft and maintain the integrity of California's electoral process.