Print Version (PDF)

AP20:037

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2020
CONTACT:
SOS Press Office
(916) 653-6575

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla Statement on Election Funding in Proposed Federal Stimulus Package

SACRAMENTO, CA – California Secretary of State Alex Padilla issued the following statement on election funding included in the proposed federal stimulus package.

“We cannot have a functioning economy if we do not have a functioning democracy. $400 million for election administration represents less than one half of one percent of the proposed $2 trillion stimulus package. This is, frankly, not enough. The stakes have never been higher for us to deliver elections that are safe for all voters, poll workers, and elections personnel. State and local elections officials on the frontlines of our democracy must be fully equipped to maintain free, fair, and accessible elections.”

“I remain encouraged that Speaker Pelosi acknowledged the need to fight for further election funding. In 2020, elections officials face additional challenges with a likely expansion of voting-by-mail and new difficulties identifying and staffing voting locations. The clock is ticking and we must act with urgency. Our democracy — and the American people — deserves nothing less.”

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has created an urgent need for federal funding, it also demonstrates that we should not wait for a crisis to adequately invest in our elections infrastructure. Elections have been designated as critical infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security since 2017 and they should be funded as such. That means consistent funding to keep our elections systems modern, secure, accessible, and safe.”

###