BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Attorney General Rob Bonta and various nonprofits are advocating for early voting in California, emphasizing its importance in ensuring that voters’ voices are heard.

In a virtual press conference on Monday, Bonta stated, “The right to vote is fundamental,” and encouraged participation in the upcoming special election.” California encourages early voting to ensure your vote is counted and to avoid last-minute issues.”

Last-minute issues mentioned include: forgetting to sign the ballot, needing to update registration and long wait times.

Looking ahead to the election, low voter turnout remains a concern for Bonta, partly due to intimidation and misinformation about eligibility.

Julián Castro, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, highlighted the potential impact of the 8.5 million eligible Latino voters. Alongside other members of the Foundation’s staff, Castro conducted a survey sampling 1200 registered Latino voters. 62% said they plan on casting a ballot.

He’s hoping that percentage only goes up.

“The Latino community should fully embrace its power to vote,” he said, ” The Latino Community Foundation supports an array of organizations statewide that are focused on educating, informing, mobilizing voters in this election. We’re proud to support those efforts. We believe that those efforts are essential to have a well informed and robust democracy in the state of California.”

Also at the conference, Valley Voices, the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE), and the American Civil Liberties Union. These nonprofits discussed how they are doing the groundwork, not just around election season, but year-round.

“We register families right at their doorsteps. We offer rides to the polls, and we remind folks that their voice isn’t just welcome. It’s powerful,” said Ruth López, Director of Valley Voices.

Towards the end of the meeting, the Attorney General opened up about fighting for his right to vote after immigrating to America, and said voting is not only part of staying engaged, but a civic duty.

“From a young age, my parents taught me that voting isn’t just an option, it’s a responsibility,” said Bonta, “Coming to the US from the Philippines, I grew up appreciating how precious and hard won our right to vote is. It’s why now as AG, I’ll continue to do everything in my power to defend your fundamental right to vote without obstacles, without intimidation and without deception.”

Election day is November 4, 2025. Californians can vote early by mail or in person, and same-day registration is available.

To find out more information about elections and the upcoming deadlines, click here.