CAL.Regulation
California enacts vote-by-mail interference penalties ahead of the November general election
California's SB 259 (Chapter 331), signed September 19, 2026, amends Elections Code Section 18577. Willfully interfering with a vote-by-mail ballot's delivery to a voter is now a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail and a $10,000 fine. A person with authority who directs others to interfere with a ballot's return or delivery commits a felony punishable by two, three or four years. The urgency statute took effect immediately.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) →
Key points
- SB 259 amends Elections Code Section 18577 and was approved September 19, 2026, as Chapter 331 of the Statutes of 2026California Legislative Information
- Willful interference with a vote-by-mail ballot's delivery to a voter is a misdemeanor: up to six months in county jail and/or a $10,000 fineCalifornia Legislative Information
- A person with authority who directs supervised persons to interfere with ballot return or delivery faces a felony of two, three, or four yearsCalifornia Legislative Information
- Interference includes unauthorized access, breaking chain of custody, tampering, or failing to return a ballot when designated to do soCalifornia Legislative Information
- The urgency statute took effect September 19, 2026, so the protections apply to the November 3, 2026, statewide general electionCalifornia Legislative Information
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California Legislative Information