AP16:130
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2016
CONTACT:
Sam Mahood (916) 653-6575
California Online Voter Registration Surge Continues
Over 170,000 Completed Registrations or Updates in Just Two Days
SACRAMENTO – California Secretary of State Alex Padilla reported today that there were over 170,000 completed transactions on the California Secretary of State’s online voter registration website on Monday, September 26 through Tuesday, September 27. This continues a spike in online voter registration that began last Friday.
Press Release: Facebook Reminder Triggers Surge in California Online Voter Registration
“It’s clear that Californians are getting ready to vote,” Secretary of State Padilla said. “We’ve had an amazing five days, as over 370,000 online voter registrations or updates of registrations have occurred.”
“Reminders from Facebook and Google, excitement around the first Presidential debate, and the concerted efforts of elections officials on National Voter Registration Day have driven Californians to register to vote online,” Padilla added.
On Monday, 71,805 Californians completed registrations or updates of registration information on the Secretary of State’s online voter registration site. Several factors may have led to this surge in registration. Google’s homepage “doodle” flashed “Register to Vote” in different languages, linking users to step-by-step instructions on how to register to vote. Monday also marked the final day that Facebook ran a reminder to users age 18 and up to register to vote. And of course, Monday marked the first Presidential debate.
On Tuesday, another 103,816 registrations or updates of registration information were completed through the voter registration website. Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day, with elections officials throughout California and across the nation holding registration drives. Voters ages 17 to 25 fueled Tuesday’s surge—accounting for over 36% of online voter registration activity.
“If you’ve already registered to vote—share a link to RegisterToVote.ca.gov and make sure that your friends and family are ready to vote this November,” Padilla said.
October 24 is the deadline to register for the November 8, 2016 General Election.
“If you've moved, changed your name, or want to change your political party preference simply visit RegisterToVote.ca.gov by October 24," Padilla added.
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