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AP16:035

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 22, 2016

CONTACT: Sam Mahood

(916) 653-6575

Secretary of State Padilla Publishes Voter Registration Data for June 7 Primary Election

Secretary of State Padilla Urges Californians to Register to Vote by May 23, 2016 Deadline

SACRAMENTO – California Secretary of State Alex Padilla today released the first of three voter registration reports for the June 7, 2016, Presidential Primary Election. 

The report shows that 17,259,413 Californians are currently registered to vote – up 231,123 since the last Report of Registration at a similar point in a presidential election year (January 3, 2012). The latest report includes voter registration numbers for California’s 58 counties on January 5, 2016, which is 154 days prior to the primary election.  Reports will also be issued 60 days and 15 days in advance of the primary election. 

“While registration has increased since January 2012, so has population.  Registration is not keeping pace,” said Secretary of State Alex Padilla. “Only 70.2% of eligible Californians are currently registered.” 

“If the election were held today, over 7 million otherwise eligible Californians would be left on the sidelines.  Fortunately, there is still time to register to vote in the June 7 Presidential Primary Election.  Whether you’ve recently turned 18, become a new US citizen, or just want to vote for the first time—I urge Californians to register today,” Padilla said. 

Californians who have moved or changed their name since the last election will also need to update their registration. Californians can register or update their registration information online at registertovote.ca.gov.  While registration typically increases as Election Day approaches, Padilla urged citizens to remind friends and neighbors to register before the deadline.  

“Talk to friends and neighbors and encourage them to register. Use social media to encourage others. The deadline to register is May 23rd and can be completed online at registertovote.ca.gov,” Padilla added. 

Los Angeles County had the largest numerical increase in registered voters since 2012, increasing by 455,980.  Madera County, which stretches from the Central Valley to the Sierra Nevada, picked up 11,385 new voters—a dramatic 27% increase for the county making it the county with the greatest percentage increase in new voters. 

This report reflects updates to voter registration rolls, including the removal of registrants who have passed away, moved out of state, or have been determined to be ineligible to vote, as well as the addition of new registrants. The complete January 5, 2016, Report of Registration is available online at: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/june-7-2016-presidential-primary-election/154day-presprim-16/ 

Californians may contact their county elections official to check their voter registration status. Click here for county elections office contact information. 

The registration totals for the six qualified political parties and voters who have no political party preference are:

                                                        January 3, 2012                               January 5, 2016

Largest Increase in Registration by Total Number Since January 3, 2012, Report

Largest Increase in Registration by %  Since January 3, 2012, Report

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