Record 20 Million Californians are Registered to Vote
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California has hit a new record for voter registration, with over 20 million Californians now registered to vote. California's total registered voters is greater than the population of all but two other U.S. States - Texas and California.
“In the November 2018 General Election, we experienced record voter registration and record turnout, and the wave continues,” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. “With over 20 million citizens now registered, California has reached another major milestone. California’s March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary is less than a year away and Californians are getting ready. With an earlier primary in 2020, California voters will have more influence in the presidential nominating contests for all parties.”
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Secretary of State Building Complex Renamed in Honor of
March Fong Eu; California State Archives Launches March Fong Eu Digital Exhibit
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The California Secretary of State/State Archives Building Complex was officially renamed the March Fong Eu Secretary of State Building in honor of the late former Secretary of State. This is the first California state office building named after an Asian-American woman. A ceremony in the building’s auditorium featured the unveiling of a new plaque commemorating March Fong Eu’s legacy. The plaque will be permanently installed at the building’s main entrance at the corner of 11th and O streets.
“March Fong Eu’s true dedication to public service embodies the very best of California,” Secretary Padilla said. “March Fong Eu’s commitment to improving access to our elections, streamlining business filings, preserving state history, and making campaign finance data more transparent left a lasting legacy at the Secretary of State’s office. For years, March Fong Eu sought to unify the operations of the Secretary of State’s office under one roof. It is only fitting that the office complex March Fong Eu fought so hard to build bears her name.”
The State Archives has also launched a new digital exhibit on the Google Arts and Culture platform celebrating the life and legacy of March Fong Eu. The exhibit, “Leading the Way: March Fong Eu and a Lifetime of Service,” tells the story of her life and lengthy public service career through original photos and documents from the State Archives collection.
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Fresno County Votes to Adopt Voter's Choice Act for 2020 Elections
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The Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the
Voter’s Choice Act in time for the 2020 elections. Under this modern election model, every registered voter in the county will automatically receive their ballot by mail and have options for how to return their ballot; by mail, to any ballot drop box in the county, or at any vote center in the county convenient to them. Fresno becomes the ninth county to implement the Voter’s Choice Act.
“The tremendous success of the Voter’s Choice Act in 2018 has inspired even more counties to adopt this landmark reform,” Secretary Padilla said. “In 2020, voters in Fresno will now enjoy more options for when, where, and how they cast their ballots, thanks to the Voter’s Choice Act. I thank the leadership in Fresno county for embracing these pro-voter reforms. Modernizing elections to provide voters more flexibility works."
In 2018, the five counties that implemented the Voter’s Choice Act all exceeded the record statewide turnout.
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One Year Out: March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election
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The March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary is less than a year away!
With an earlier 2020 Primary, California voters will have a unique opportunity to shape the national discourse and the selection of presidential nominees.
“Mark your calendars — in 2020 Californians will be voting in prime time. We are officially just one year out from California’s March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary. With an earlier primary, California will have a more significant voice in the presidential nomination process for all political parties. California is the most populous and most diverse state in the nation and represents the largest economy of any state in the nation. Candidates for president must pay attention to the issues that matter most to California voters. You will not want to miss out on this historic election, so make sure your voter registration is up to date and you’re ready to cast a ballot in the spring of 2020.”
Key Dates and Deadlines for the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary
Certified List of Candidates: December 26, 2019
Voter Information Guide Mailing Period: January 23 – February 11, 2020
Vote-By-Mail Ballot Mailing Period: February 3 – February 25, 2020
Last Day to Register to Vote: February 17, 2020
Californians can prepare for the upcoming primary by confirming that their registration—including political party—is up to date at
VoterStatus.sos.ca.gov
. California citizens who need to update their voter registration or register for the first time can do so at
RegisterToVote.ca.gov
.
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Secretary Padilla Welcomes Over 2,600 New U.S. Citizens at Naturalization Ceremonies in Fresno, Oakland and Sacramento
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This month, Secretary Padilla spoke at naturalization ceremonies across the state, welcoming over 2,600 new U.S. citizens!
Secretary Padilla shared his story about being the son of immigrants who became naturalized citizens. He also encouraged the new citizens to register to vote and become active participants in the democratic process.
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Secretary of State Alex Padilla Holds Public Hearing on Voting System Modernization
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In an effort to strengthen the security of California’s election infrastructure, Secretary of State Alex Padilla has initiated the process for withdrawing certification or conditional approval of voting systems that were not tested or certified under the most recent state security standards. County elections officials must now implement a voting system that meets the state’s newest testing and certification standards in time for the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election.
Secretary Padilla held a hearing on Tuesday, March 19 at the State Capitol on this effort to modernize California voting equipment ahead of the 2020 elections. This public hearing provided interested parties an opportunity to register their support, opposition, or thoughts for consideration regarding this withdrawal of certification and conditional approval of voting systems that have not been tested and certified to the latest testing and certification standards.
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bizfile California: Making Business Easier in California
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The Business Programs Division of the Secretary of State's office works every day to make doing business California easier and more accessible. We've created a video highlighting our newest online bizfile expansion, LLC terminations.
Tools available through bizfile California:
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CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Project Continues
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