September 2024
Message from the Secretary
Ensuring Your Voice is Heard—The Power of Exercising Your Vote
This month, we proudly celebrate California’s Hispanic Heritage, and the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our state. Hispanic Heritage Month was first established as a week-long celebration by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 and was later expanded to a full month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. It now stands as a time to honor the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans who have influenced the history, culture, and development of the U.S. The term “Hispanic” broadly encompasses individuals with heritage from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The celebration highlights:
- Cultural traditions such as music, dance, and cuisine.
- Historical contributions from Hispanic Americans in fields such as politics, art, education, and civil rights.
- Social impact on community development, the labor movement, and social justice advocacy.
In California, this celebration holds special significance due to the state’s large Hispanic and Latino population, Festivals, cultural performances, educational programs, and government proclamations are just a few ways we honor the vital role of Hispanic Californians across many fields. Nearly 40% of California’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, reflecting a historical and cultural connection that enriches our state and highlights its ongoing role in shaping the nation’s Hispanic culture.
However, research from the University of California, Los Angeles Voting Rights Project; California State University, Sacramento; and other sources highlights that more efforts are needed to engage Latino, Black, AAPI, and other eligible voters particularly in rural, low-income, and hard-to-reach communities across the state.
In the dual role as California’s Secretary of State and Chief Election Officer, I am committed to ensuring that every eligible Californian has the opportunity to vote and that the integrity of our elections is upheld. With this privilege comes a deep responsibility—not only to protect your right to vote but also to ensure that you are empowered with the knowledge to fully use your voice. I encourage you to check our voter website and connect with your local county election office to stay informed about key dates for the upcoming election and learn how we are working together to safeguard our democracy.
As we continue the fight to protect and expand voting rights across California, ensuring that every eligible voter is registered and ready to participate is a crucial step in that journey. Together, we can make sure that every voice is heard, and every vote is counted. This not only empowers individual voices but also strengthens the legitimacy of our democratic process. As policymakers and advocates, it is our duty to support initiatives that make voting accessible and secure for all. If you’d like to know more about how we can strengthen our democracy, I encourage you to attend our inaugural Research Symposium taking place online and in person on October 9th.
On the subject of a key day, the November 5th election is just around the corner. Make sure your voter registration is up to date. Whether you’re registering for the first time, updating your address, or simply confirming that your information is current, I encourage you to take this opportunity to prepare for the upcoming election and make a plan to vote. Remember, the deadline to register to vote for the November’s election is October 21, 2024. If you miss the deadline, you can still register until Election Day. See the Same Day Voter Registration page for details. If you live in a Voter’s Choice Act County, you have even “More Days and More Ways” to vote. Learn more about the Voter's Choice Act.
California is the most diverse state in the nation and the fifth largest economy in the world. In a state as diverse and dynamic as California, your vote truly matters. It’s your voice in the decisions that impact our communities, our environment, our education system, and our economy. Your vote is your voice and your power – I encourage you to make sure your voice is heard in every election.
Sincerely,
Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.
California Secretary of State
