Umberg Bill Will Expand Election Day Registration

March 7, 2019

(Sacramento, CA) – Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana), Chair of the Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments, announced today his introduction of major legislation that would maximize opportunities for California citizens to exercise their right to vote in the 2020 Presidential Election.

“Same day voter registration allows every California citizen an opportunity to vote. It’s an invaluable tool for voters with hectic jobs and busy lives. Offering this option at each and every polling location is the next logical step in allowing citizens the ability to effectively exercise their constitutional right to vote,” said Senator Umberg.

In 2018, California first offered “conditional voter registration” (CVR), our version of Election Day registration, on a statewide basis. Counties are currently only required to provide CVR at the permanent offices of the county elections official. Under CVR, the ballot cast is provisional and is not counted until the registration is verified. CVR is also currently offered at vote centers in counties participating in the Voter’s Choice Act.

In reality, only a negligible percentage of California voters had access to CVR for the November, 2018 election.  In the counties that actually took advantage of the CVR law, those who were able to make the trip to their county elections office on Election Day waited in lines of up to 4 hours in order to register and cast a ballot.

According to Senator Umberg’s bill -- Senate Bill 72 -- all counties will be required to permit eligible voters to register and vote on Election Day at every neighborhood polling place beginning in 2020.  By doing so, California will join 15 other states who currently permit or are considering permitting Election Day registration. 

"Every eligible citizen should be able to register to vote in a convenient, fair, and secure way that works for voters and administrators alike. When we modernize our elections by establishing Election Day registration and voting, we can ensure our systems are accurate, efficient, and protect a citizens’ right to vote," said Rey Lopez-Calderon, Executive Director, California Common Cause.

“California must do more to strengthen people’s right to vote and close voter participation gaps impacting low-income voters, young voters, and voters of color. SB 72 will make voting more accessible and ensure that all voters’ voices are heard, because no eligible voter should be turned away on Election Day,” said Raúl Macías, Voting Rights Project Manager & Attorney.

Senate Bill 72 is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of California (cosponsor), California Common Cause (cosponsor), and the American Civil Liberties Union of California (cosponsor), and is supported by the California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG). It is expected to heard in the Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments on April 2. Text of SB 72 and a fact sheet are both attached.

 

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