WATCH: CA Sec. of State Alex Padilla Says Motor Voter Will Modernize Elections

image
Created: 21 Aug, 2015
Updated: 21 Nov, 2022
1 min read

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=383d83kkR5E

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. -- California Secretary of State Alex Padilla discussed his current motor voter proposal Wednesday at the first-ever California Nonpartisan Primary Summit before an audience of state lawmakers, election reformers, and capitol insiders. Padilla's motor voter proposal aims to increase voter participation by removing what amounts to the first barrier for many voters: registering to vote.

The proposal, currently in the legislature under AB 1461, would automatically register California citizens to vote using data collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles, unless the individual chooses to opt out or is ineligible to vote.

As Padilla explains, the state can not choose a party affiliation for voters, which leaves a strong possibility that more and more voters would be added to the rolls as no party preference. This could prove difficult for traditional political consultants whose campaign strategies rely on communicating with a small, reliable base of voters.

"But what it would mean for candidates and campaigns in terms of targeting when it comes to campaign time, because maybe it's a little less reliable if somebody's a Democrat or a Republican or no party preference or something else." - CA Secretary of State Alex Padilla

However, Padilla argues that question is a political one.

“If what we can do is systematically enfranchise millions of Californians and strengthen our democracy, why wouldn’t we?” He said.

See Related: WATCH: CA Senator Steve Glazer on How to be Successful in Nonpartisan Primaries

Latest articles

Clear ballot box with ballot inside.
Skokie Is the Latest Illinois City to Embrace Ranked Choice Voting
Skokie voters went to the polls on April 1 amidst a closely watched mayoral election to decide whether or not to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV). With 100% of precincts reporting, 58% of participating voters said ‘Yes’ to changing how the city conducts elections. ...
02 Apr, 2025
-
2 min read
Overhead shot of cargo at a port.
What Will Trump's 'Liberation Day' Mean for US Job Growth?
April 2 marks President Donald Trump’s ‘Liberation Day,’ which could usher in the most aggressive tariffs in modern US history or be completely blown out of proportion....
01 Apr, 2025
-
5 min read
Cory Booker
Cory Booker Just Delivered the Longest Senate Speech in US History
Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey made history with a marathon speech on the Senate floor, surpassing 24 hours in a sweeping protest against the policies of former President Donald Trump....
01 Apr, 2025
-
2 min read