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Bill Extends Calif. Vote-Counting Deadline

SACRAMENTO (AP) — California would allow three extra days for mail-in ballots to be accepted by elections officials under a bill approved by the state Senate.

Democratic Sen. Lou Correa of Anaheim says AB562 is needed because mail delivery may be delayed after the closure of five mail processing centers in California.

The Senate passed the bill 28-9 Friday. It was headed to the Assembly for a final vote.

Currently, ballots have to be received by elections officials on Election Day to be counted. AB562l would allow ballots received within 72 hours to be counted, as long as they are postmarked by Election Day.

Republican Sen. Doug La Malfa of Willows objected, saying voters should know they must mail their ballots early or drop them off at a polling place on Election Day.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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