Ensuring that Every Vote Counts and Expanding Voter Participation

By Alex Padilla

As Secretary of State, Alex Padilla will work to expand voter registration, increase voter turnout and restore the Voting Rights Act so every California voter can vote free of intimidation.

In 2012, more than 5.5 million eligible Californians did not register to vote. Another 5 million registered voters did not vote in the November 2012 election. We need to do more to reach these 10 million Californians and involve them in shaping our government and our future.

At the same time, free and fair elections are fundamental to American democracy. Indeed, the California constitution itself declares "A voter who casts a vote in an election... shall have that vote counted." Uncertainty about the fairness of elections discourages potential voters from being engaged and going to the polls.

As Secretary of State, Alex Padilla will:

• Work closely with state agencies to ensure that we are fully implementing the National Voter Registration Act, also known as Motor Voter. In addition to voter registration through the DMV and other agencies, new legislation authored by Padilla makes voter registration available through the new health benefits exchange.
• Increase access to voter registration materials, including expanded use of social media.
• Work to boost voter registration and participation.
• Advocate for an expanded curriculum on civic education in California's schools.
• Work with county registrars to enhance local efforts to increase voter education, registration and turnout. Improve access to election information through greater use of technology.
• Visit every county to meet with county registrars to learn about their challenges in administering elections in our large and diverse state.
• Sponsor legislation to improve and increase support for civic education, elections and participation.