2050-2053
ELECTIONS CODE
SECTION 2050-2053
2050. This article shall be known, and may be cited, as the Visually Impaired Voter Assistance Act of 1989. 2051. As used in this article, "visually impaired" means a person having central visual acuity not to exceed 20-200 in the better eye, with corrected lenses, or visual acuity greater than 20-200, but with a limitation in the field of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends at an angle of not greater than 20 degrees. 2052. It is the intent of the Legislature to promote the fundamental right to vote of visually impaired individuals, and to make efforts to improve public awareness of the availability of ballot pamphlet audio recordings and improve their delivery to these voters. 2053. (a) The Secretary of State shall establish a Visually Impaired Voter Assistance Advisory Board. This board shall consist of the Secretary of State or his or her designee and the following membership, appointed by the Secretary of State: (1) A representative from the State Advisory Council on Libraries. (2) One member from each of three private organizations. Two of the organizations shall be representative of organizations for blind persons in the state. (b) The board shall do all of the following: (1) Establish guidelines for reaching as many visually impaired persons as practical. (2) Make recommendations to the Secretary of State for improving the availability and accessibility of ballot pamphlet audio recordings and their delivery to visually impaired voters. The Secretary of State may implement the recommendations made by the board. (3) Increase the distribution of public service announcements identifying the availability of ballot pamphlet audio recordings at least 45 days before any federal, state, and local election. (4) Promote the Secretary of State's toll-free voter registration telephone line for citizens needing voter registration information, including information for those who are visually handicapped, and the toll-free telephone service regarding the California State Library and regional library service for the visually impaired. (c) No member shall receive compensation, but each member shall be reimbursed for his or her reasonable and necessary expenses in connection with service on the board.