1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Despite California’s progressive reputation, significant gaps remain in our election laws that leave voters vulnerable and our democratic processes exposed to bad actors and election deniers. I am writing to urge you to immediately pass comprehensive voting rights legislation that closes these dangerous loopholes. Specifically, California needs an explicit statutory right to vote, a ban on the junk science of signature matching, guaranteed maximum wait times at polling places, a complete prohibition on third-party voter challenges, and modernized election certification laws that make officials’ duties crystal clear and provide enforcement mechanisms when they fail to perform them. Laws California Does NOT Have: • Explicit statutory right to vote – A state law establishing that every eligible citizen has the right to vote and requiring the government to prove any voting restriction serves an important interest through the least restrictive means • Ban on signature matching – Prohibition of the practice where election officials reject mail-in ballots based on signature comparison (California currently allows signature matching but requires notification and a cure process) • 30-minute maximum wait time guarantee – A requirement that counties ensure no voter waits more than 30 minutes to cast a ballot, with tracking of wait times and potential compensation for voters who experience longer waits • Complete ban on third-party voter challenges – Prohibition of random individuals challenging voters’ registration or eligibility (California only bans “mass, indiscriminate” challenges, not all third-party challenges) • Modernized election certification laws – Updated statutes explicitly stating certification is a mandatory ministerial duty, allowing private parties and state officials to sue to compel certification, imposing monetary penalties on officials who refuse, and empowering courts to certify elections if officials fail to do so​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The time to act is now — not after problems emerge in 2026 or beyond. These reforms are not radical; they are common-sense protections that will enfranchise more voters, eliminate discriminatory barriers, and safeguard our elections from those who seek to undermine them. Every day of delay is a day that California voters remain unnecessarily vulnerable and our election processes remain open to manipulation. I urge you to champion these reforms immediately and ensure California leads the nation in protecting every eligible citizen’s fundamental right to vote. Please make these voting rights protections a top priority in the upcoming legislative session.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​