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AP17:059

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2017
Contact:
Jesse Melgar or Sam Mahood
(916) 653-6575

Secretary of State Alex Padilla Urges Californians to Register to Vote in Recognition of National Voter Registration Month

SACRAMENTO –  California Secretary of State Alex Padilla today recognizes September 2017 as National Voter Registration Month and urges all eligible citizens to register to vote or update their registration at www.registertovote.ca.gov. 

“Citizen participation in elections is the foundation of our democracy," said Secretary Padilla. "As California's Chief Elections Officer, I want to ensure that every eligible citizen's voice is heard in shaping the future of our state and nation by casting a ballot. The first step to casting a ballot is to register to vote." 

"National Voter Registration Month is also a great reminder that if you've moved, changed your name, or now prefer a different political party, you should update your registration. Recently naturalized citizens should also register to vote to ensure they can cast a ballot in future elections.” 

The National Association of Secretaries of State established National Voter Registration Month in September as a nonpartisan means of encouraging voter participation and increasing awareness about state requirements and deadlines for voting. Secretary Padilla also supports the independently-organized National Voter Registration Day effort, which will be held on September 26, 2017. 

Register or pre-register to vote. Eligible U.S. citizens who are 18 years of age or older and meet other requirements may register to vote. Additionally, eligible California 16- and 17-year-olds may now pre-register to vote.  They're voter registration will automatically be activated on their 18th birthday. 

Check your voter registration information online. Updating voter registration information is critical for U.S. citizens who have recently moved, changed their name, want to change their political party preference or have recently had their voting rights restored. Registered voters can check their voter status by visiting: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/. 

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