“Draft” P’s & G’s for “Vote by Mail Ballots: Prepaid Postage” - Eligible Claimants

Back in July, the Commission on State Mandates (“Commission”) approved the Test Claim, “Vote by Mail Ballots: Prepaid Postage” and recently prepared their draft Parameters and Guidelines (P’s & G’s) for review.  I immediately noticed that cities that do not administer their own elections were not explicitly mentioned as eligible for reimbursement.  Additionally, Special Districts were not mentioned at all as eligible claimants. 

As a result, I submitted a letter as an “interested Party” to the Commission asking for clarification for both cities and special districts that have their elections conducted by their respective county. 

Here is a link to my letter on the Commission’s website:  https://www.csm.ca.gov/matters/19-TC-01/doc21.pdf

I also reached out to the League of California Cities (“The League”) and the California Special Districts Association (“CSDA”).  Both Associations offered to write a letter of support to the issues I raised in my letter to the Commission. 

Here is the combined letter from “The League” and CSDA: https://www.csm.ca.gov/matters/19-TC-01/doc30.pdf

Reimbursable cost for “Vote by Mail Ballots: Prepaid Postage” program began with January 1, 2019. The next step is for the Commission to release the “Proposed” P’s & G’s which are anticipated to be released the week prior to Thanksgiving (November 16-20).  I will keep you abreast.