By Debra Bowen
California Secretary of State
The November 2 General Election is right around the corner, but it’s not too late to register to vote in this election. The deadline is October 18.
Last month, I reported that 72 percent of eligible Californians are currently registered to vote. While that is good, it’s not good enough. I believe our democracy will be stronger if all eligible Californians are participating in elections.
In November, you will have the opportunity to choose local, legislative, congressional and statewide leaders who will represent you, as well as make decisions on many ballot measures related to taxes, the environment, and more.
If you’re not one of the nearly 17 million people who are registered to participate in this crucial election, please take a few moments to register to vote. You can pick up a voter registration form at any county elections office, public library or US post office, or you can fill out a form online at sos.ca.gov, then print, sign and mail it.
To help you make your decisions, I have created an Official Voter Information Guide that contains impartial analyses of the proposed laws and potential costs to taxpayers, arguments in favor of and against ballot measures prepared by proponents and opponents, text of the proposed laws, and other useful information. The guide is available by mail and online, at voterguide.sos.ca.gov, as well as at every public library and county elections office.
As a voter, you have the option to go to the polls on Election Day or use a vote-by-mail ballot, which gives you the flexibility to vote when it is convenient for you. To request a vote-by-mail ballot, use the application printed on the sample ballot booklet mailed by your county elections office or go to sos.ca.gov. The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is October 26.
This election is too important to sit on the sidelines and let others make the decisions. Some contests really are decided by just a few votes. Whether you cast your ballot at a polling place or by mail, I encourage you to take the time to carefully read about each candidate and ballot measure— and to know your voting rights.
If you have any questions about registering to vote or voting, please call my voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
