Hi Folks,

I'm writing to share a few updates and news developments we are keeping an eye on at the California Voter Foundation.

Reducing Ballot Rejection

Last month, I testified before the California State Senate and Constitutional Amendments Committee about vote-by-mail ballot rejection and ballot curing. My slide deck and testimony are available on CVF's web site and reflect over a decade's worth of CVF's work on reforms to reduce ballot rejection. 

To help voters reduce mistakes when casting vote-by-mail ballots, CVF is supporting AB 1072/Pellerin, directing the Secretary of State to provide uniform guidance to counties and voters explaining the best way to address mistakes made when casting ballots. 

We are also working on the final report for our Close Count Transparency Project, which will include many other recommendations to address and accelerate our state's vote-counting process. 

CVF Board Chair appointed to EAC Board of Advisors

I'm excited to share the news that Cathy Darling Allen, CVF's board chair and former longtime Shasta County Clerk and Registrar of Voters, was recently appointed to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission's Board of Advisors! This position will allow Cathy to share her vast experience in elections with the federal agency responsible for developing the nation's federal voluntary voting system standards. 

Big Day of Giving on May 1 

CVF is participating once again in the Sacramento region's annual Big Day of Giving fundraising campaign. While this fundraiser takes place on May 1, donations can be made online now at www.bigdayofgiving.org/cvf. Check out our profile and media gallery to learn more about CVF's programs and projects! And please consider supporting CVF with your donation.

Litigation and federal actions that may affect California voters

We are also keeping an eye on pending litigation that may impact voters in future elections. Issa vs. Weber is a lawsuit filed by San Diego Congressman Darrell Issa challenging the lawfulness of California’s seven-day grace period for accepting vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day. The People of the State of California vs. Huntington Beach is an ongoing voter ID lawsuit in which a California city is seeking to establish a local election policy that contradicts state election policy.

CVF is also, like many organizations involved in the elections process, monitoring the potential impact of the President's Elections Executive Order (see today's Election Law Blog for the latest developments) and the federal SAVE Act legislation which, if enacted, would significantly impact California voters and California election administration. This analysis from the National Conference of State Legislatures provides a good overview of the main components of this legislation. For a local perspective, see this Letter of Concern from the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials expressing California local election officials' concerns for potential disenfranchisement, higher election costs and criminal actions against election officials for doing their jobs. 

-- Kim Alexander, California Voter Foundation

About the California Voter Foundation

The California Voter Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working through research, oversight, outreach and demonstration projects to improve the election process so that it better serves the needs and interests of voters. CVF-News is a free, electronic newsletter featuring news and updates about the California Voter Foundation's projects and activities.

Support CVF's work with a tax-deductible contribution!