AP18:047
For Immediate Release
April 5, 2018
Contact:
SOS Press Office
(916) 653-6575
Secretary of State Alex Padilla Releases Redesigned Voter Registration Card
SACRAMENTO – Secretary of State Alex Padilla has unveiled a newly redesigned voter registration card for use throughout California. This is the first major redesign of the voter registration card since 2008. The new voter registration cards are available at the Secretary of State’s office and have been shipped to county elections officials throughout the state. The California voter registration card is available in 10 languages—English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korea, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Click here to view the new California voter registration card.
“The newly redesigned voter registration card has a cleaner look and a more logical structure,” Secretary of State Padilla said. “We use plain language to make it easier for eligible voters to understand as they enter their information, including political party preference. The new voter registration card ensures a simple and straightforward registration process. And if a voter prefers to register online, they can always do so at RegisterToVote.ca.gov."
The new voter registration card was designed in-house at the Secretary of State’s office at no additional taxpayer expense. County elections officials, legislative experts, and nonprofit advocacy groups—including Future of California Elections, the Center for Civic Design, and League of Women Voters of California-—reviewed and offered input throughout the redesign process.
“A voter registration application isn’t just a form—it’s the first step to becoming a voter,” said Co-Director for the Center for Civic Design Whitney Quesenbery. “This clear, usable design will help Californians take that crucial first step easily. We congratulate the Secretary of State on all of the work to modernize elections across the entire voter experience.”
The new voter registration card is part of Secretary Padilla’s goal to improve the design and usability of government publications and documents. The Secretary of State’s office has already partnered with the Center for Civic Design to modernize the informational pages in the Statewide Voter Information Guide and vote-by-mail ballot envelopes used by county elections officials.
"The new voter registration form is an essential component of the commitment to streamline and simplify voter registration in California,” said Dean Logan, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk and President, California Association of Clerks and Election Officials. “The new format is easier to navigate and is designed for usability helping to ensure all who are eligible have the opportunity to get registered and to vote."
“Complex forms can overwhelm and intimidate voters,” League of Women Voters of California Executive Director Melissa M Breach said. “The new voter registration card is easy to use. It accomplishes two of the League’s priorities—to do away with impediments to participation and help more Californians vote.”
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