California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that will
ensure that every registered voter in the state gets a ballot mailed to them in
future elections in the Golden State.

The change had already been adopted during the pandemic for
the 2020 election and the recent recall against Newsom and this law makes it
permanent. Several other Western states mail all voters a ballot, including
Utah, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. Republicans who hold a minority in the California
Legislature opposed the expansion of voting by mail.

Under the new law, ballots in California must go out at
least 29 days before the election. Voters still have the option to drop off
their ballot or vote in person. Prior to the pandemic, many Californians were
already voting by mail.

“Voters like having options for returning their ballot
whether by mail, at a secure dropbox, a voting centre or at a traditional
polling station. And the more people who participate in elections, the stronger
our democracy and the more we have the assurance that elections reflect the will of
the people of California,” the Associated Press quoted California Secretary
of State Shirley Weber as saying in a statement.

Newsom signed 10 other voting-related bills on Monday,
crafting them as part of an effort to expand voting rights and access. Voting
rights have become a major political flashpoint in the country as Democrat-led
states push legislation aimed at expanding voting access while many
Republican-led states try to tighten it amid accusations of widespread voter
fraud by former President Donald Trump and other GOP leaders.

“As states across our country continue to enact
undemocratic voter suppression laws, California is increasing voter access,
expanding voting options, and bolstering elections integrity and
transparency,” Newsom said, according to AP.

California Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Millan
Patterson said her party is committed to ensuring elections are safe, fair, and
secure.

(With AP inputs)