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AP16:071

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                      
May 27, 2016
CONTACT:
Sam Mahood (916) 653-6575

Secretary of State Alex Padilla Urges Californians—Know Your Voting Rights

SACRAMENTO – With the June 7, 2016 Presidential Primary Election just 11 days away, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla is urging voters to know their rights. The California Voter Bill of Rights can be found in the Voter Information Guide sent to every voting household.  It is also available online in 10 different languages: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-bill-rights/

“The right to vote is our most important right as American citizens. As we approach Election Day each of us should know our voting rights,” Secretary Padilla said.  “The Voter Bill of Rights is printed in the Voter Information Guide, which was sent to every voting household in the state.  The Voter Bill of Rights will also be posted in every polling place on Election Day. I urge voters to take the time to know their rights before heading to the polls,” Padilla added.

Click here for the California Voter Bill of Rights

For example, you may not be aware that you have the right to vote if you are a registered voter even if your name is not on the list at your polling place. You will be provided a provisional ballot and your vote will be counted if elections officials determine you are eligible to vote.

You have the right to vote if you are still in line when the polls close. It is important that voters understand this right and don’t just walk away because it is 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. You also have the right to cast a secret ballot without anyone bothering you or telling you how to vote.

What if you make a mistake filling out your ballot? You have the right to get a new ballot if you have made a mistake, and you haven’t already cast your ballot. You also have the right to drop off your completed vote-by-mail ballot at any polling place in the county where you are registered to vote.

What if you need help at the polls? You have the right to ask questions of election officials about election procedures and watch the election process. You also have the right to get help casting your ballot.

It is also your right to report any illegal or fraudulent election activity to elections officials or the Secretary of State’s Office.

"When voters know their rights then they have the power to exercise them,” said League of Women Voters of California President Helen Hutchison. “The new plain language Voter Bill of Rights provides everyone with fundamental information they need to vote with confidence," Hutchison added.

The Secretary of State worked with a several nonpartisan organizations, including the League of Women Voters of California and the Center for Civic Design, to ensure the Voter Information Guide and Voter Bill of Rights are written in plain language that is clear and easy to understand.

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