This week, 21 members of the California Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Gov. Jerry Brown urging him to sign AB 1461— the California New Motor Voter Act.
The California New Motor Voter Act would register every eligible citizen who goes to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to get a driver’s license or renew one, potentially adding millions of new registered voters to California’s voter rolls, according to California Secretary of State Alex Padilla.
In their letter to Brown, the Congressional delegation wrote: “Given the recent decline in voter turnout in California, passing the New Motor Voter Act is more important than ever and will build upon previous efforts to improve voter participation. It would also make voter registration more efficient, cost effective, and convenient for California citizens.”
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said voting is the most fundamental right in our democracy and legislators have a fundamental responsibility to make it easier for Americans to exercise it. “California’s New Motor Voter Act will make our democracy stronger by helping millions of citizens make their voices heard in the direction of their government,” Pelosi said. “This vital measure will significantly improve California’s voter registration and participation rates.”
U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose), chair of the California Democratic Congressional delegation, said encouraging participation in the political process is the most commonsense way to promote a more representative and effective government. “While other states and jurisdictions have moved to erect barriers to the ballot box, California would do well to move in the right direction by supporting a more inclusive and open democracy.”
Congressional representatives signing on to the letter to Brown include: Zoe Lofgren, Mike Thompson, John Garamendi, Sam Farr, Jim Costa, Jackie Speier, Grace Napolitano, Judy Chu, Scott Peters, Mike Honda, Alan Lowenthal, Eric Swalwell, Jared Huffman, Adam Schiff, Juan Vargas, Julia Brownley, Anna G. Eshoo, Brad Sherman, Karen Bass and Doris Matsui.
“I thank Leader Nancy Pelosi and the members of the California Congressional delegation who have signed on to support the New Motor Voter Act,” Padilla said. “The New Motor Voter Act would remove barriers to voting for millions of Californians. As government officials, we have a responsibility to facilitate civic participation and strengthen voting rights.”
AB 1461 is sponsored by Padilla and jointly authored by Assemblymembers Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), Luis Alejo (D-Salinas) and Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento). AB 1461 was passed by the legislature and is currently on Brown’s desk.
