Sixty years ago, as a 15-year-old in California, I watched the events of Freedom Summer unfold in Mississippi. The courage of those young activists, not much older than I was, left an indelible mark on me and ignited a lifelong passion for social justice.

Today, as your Secretary of State, I see echoes of that struggle in our ongoing fight to protect voting rights. Just as the brave volunteers of Freedom Summer faced violence and intimidation to register voters, we now confront new challenges to the integrity of our elections.

That's why my top priority is ensuring the security and fairness of California's voting process. Here's how we're doing it:

  • Secure Voting Methods

    We use paper ballots statewide, which provide a physical record for auditing and recounts. While it may seem old-fashioned, paper offers a level of security that electronic-only systems can't match. Where and How to Vote

  • Fortified Voter Databases

    We've strengthened our voter registration system with state-of-the-art cybersecurity, safeguarding your personal information against unauthorized access. VoteCal

  • Rigorous Testing and Audits

    Every voting machine undergoes exhaustive testing and certification. We also conduct thorough post-election audits to confirm the accuracy of the results. Risk Limiting Audits

  • Collaboration and Preparedness

    We work hand-in-hand with federal, state, and local partners to share critical security information. Extensive training keeps our election officials ready to handle any scenario. Election Cybersecurity

  • Transparency

    We believe in being open and accountable. That means giving you timely, accurate information and welcoming independent observers to verify our practices. Election Observation: Rights and Responsibilities

The legacy of Freedom Summer teaches us that the struggle for democracy never ends. It takes vigilance, commitment, and the active participation of every citizen. As your Secretary of State, I am scheduling events throughout the State to increase voter registrations and provide information about election integrity.

So, as we head into another election season, I want you to know that your voice matters. We're working tirelessly to make sure everyone eligible to register to vote can, that every legitimate vote is counted, and that every attempt to undermine our elections is stopped cold.

The young heroes of Freedom Summer fought to secure the right to vote for all. Now it's up to us to honor their sacrifice by exercising that right and protecting it for generations to come. Together, let's make sure the promise of democracy endures!