California Attorney General Rob Bonta stresses voting safety and accessibility, urging Californians to exercise their right to vote on November 3
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
California Attorney General Rob Bonta spoke in Sacramento, emphasizing the state’s commitment to ensuring safe and accessible voting as counties began mailing out ballots ahead of the November election.
“I know some Californians may be wondering whether everything coming out of Washington has changed how they can vote, and the answer is no. It is business as usual,” Bonta said to reporters on Monday. “We will not tolerate efforts to intimidate voters or interfere with the electoral process.”
Bonta said his office plans to send “election observers” to polling places to ensure voters feel safe casting their ballots and are able to do so without disruption.
The plan, he said, comes after the federal government previously sent “election monitors” to the state and amid speculation the administration may do so again.
“There is no role for immigration enforcement at the polls. No role,” he said. “It’s a crime to send armed federal law enforcement, including ICE, to polling places. The federal law prohibits that right now.”
Bonta encouraged Californians to vote without hesitation, adding that he does not want anyone to be discouraged from exercising their right to vote due to fear or other barriers.
Registered Californian voters are able to cast their ballots in person on Election Day, early —and in person—at a designated voting center or by mail.
Anselmo Chaidez, a Sacramento County voter, said it’s his preference to vote by mail.
“On Election Day there are a lot of people, so you’ve got to wait in line,” he said. “It’s a whole lot faster to mail it in or drop it off.”
Key dates for voters include: October 5: Vote-by-mail ballots began going out and ballot drop-off boxes openOctober 19: Last day to register to vote at RegisterToVote.ca.govOctober 24: Early vote centers open.
Bonta recommended voters mail in their ballots at least a week before election day. Officially, ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than seven days afterward.
Bonta also noted that his office is working closely with the Secretary of State’s office to ensure voting proceeds without disruption.
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