Credit Agency Voter Address Verification

     

The bill requires the secretary of state (secretary) to cause to be conducted an annual change of address search of the computerized statewide voter registration list (statewide list) using a third-party credit bureau (credit bureau) to verify voters' address information. All electors in the statewide list are included in the search, except participants in the state address confidentiality program and electors, including first responders, enrolled as confidential voters. The secretary is allowed to transmit to the credit bureau only electors' names, birth years, and residential addresses. Within 30 days of receipt, the credit bureau must compare this information to its database and identify any discrepancy in address information. Within 30 days of this comparison, the credit bureau must create and transmit to the secretary a list of all electors with a discrepancy in address information, including the address information for each elector from the credit bureau's database. The secretary must then distribute this information to the relevant county clerks and recorders for further verification and possible action, in their discretion and in accordance with existing law.

     

Prior to transmitting any voter registration information, the secretary must retain the credit bureau in accordance with the state "Procurement Code" and enter into an agreement that:

• Acknowledges and complies with the technological security measures previously developed by the secretary to prevent unauthorized access to the computerized statewide voter registration list;

• Acknowledges and complies with the technological security requirements for the exchange or transfer of data related to voter registration between the secretary and any other agency as if the credit bureau is such an agency;

• Prohibits the credit bureau from selling, disclosing, or otherwise releasing the voter registration information transmitted by the secretary.

The secretary may establish rules necessary to implement and administer the address verification program.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)