AP18:162
For Immediate Release
November 1, 2018
Contact:
SOS Press Office
(916) 653-6575
Secretary Padilla and Attorney General Becerra Urge California Voters: Know Your Rights
As the November 6 General Election is only days away, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Attorney General Xavier Becerra are urging voters to review the California Voter Bill of Rights.
Click here to view the new 2018 California Voter Bill of Rights video.
“Every California voter should know their rights before heading to the polls,” Secretary Padilla said. “In California we have a Voter Bill of Rights, so that every eligible California voter can cast a ballot easily, confidentially, and free from intimidation. Reviewing the Voter Bill of Rights before heading to the polls will help ensure a smooth voting experience. The Voter Bill of Rights in posted at every polling place, printed in the Voter Information Guide sent to every household, and available online and it is written in plain language that is clear and easy to understand.”
“Voting is a cornerstone right of all Americans,”said Attorney General Becerra. “Civic engagement is essential to our democracy. Here at the California Department of Justice, we are on call and ready to assist the Secretary of State in enforcing California’s election laws. No one should be denied their right to vote because of barriers like polling locations not opening on time, lack of staffing at polling locations or long lines. Barriers that deprive people of their vote deprive them of their voice.”
On Election Day, the California Department of Justice has a team of more than a dozen attorneys and administrative staff on call in six offices around the state available to assist the Secretary of State. The California Department of Justice provides essential logistical support in the event that the Secretary seeks our assistance in enforcing California’s election laws on Election Day.
The California Voter Bill of Rights is available online in 10 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.
To download the California Voter Bill of Rights visit: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-bill-rights/
Earlier this year, Secretary Padilla released a new video—in both English and Spanish—to help Californians understand their voting rights.
In California, 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. Additionally, you also have the right to cast a secret ballot without anyone bothering you or telling you how to vote.
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 or vote center.
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. Information on filing a voter complaint can be found here: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/publications-and-resources/voter-complaint/
###
Follow the California Secretary of State on Twitter and Facebook.
