Feuer Legislation to Increase Voter Turnout

The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved legislation by Assembly Member Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) that would increase voter turnout by allowing potential voters to register for upcoming elections up to two weeks prior to Election Day, and including Election Day.  Currently, voters must register at least 15 days prior to the next election. 

“This bill helps assure all eligible Californians will have the chance to determine who speaks for them in Washington, Sacramento and their home towns,” said Feuer.  “I’m pleased that the Senate Appropriations Committee has recognized the importance of increasing voter turnout in our state.”

In California, voter affidavits must be hand-delivered or postmarked to a county elections office at least 15 days before the election. Exceptions are made for people who become U.S. citizens 7-14 days before Election Day. These individuals are allowed to register and vote up to 7 days prior to the election.  Currently, ten states allow some form of Election Day voting, including Connecticut, Idaho, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

AB 1436 is strongly supported by a broad coalition of consumer advocacy organizations, voter education groups, and local governments. If signed into law, AB 1436 would take effect when Vote Cal, the state’s federally mandated statewide voter database, is fully implemented by the Secretary of State’s office.

The measure next goes to the Senate Floor.

Assembly Member Feuer’s website:  http://assembly.ca.gov/feuer

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