California State Legislature Passes Election Protection Bill
What you need to know: The California State Legislature is taking additional action to protect state and federal elections from outside interference by enforcing new safety measures for ballots and polling locations.
SACRAMENTO – Today, the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill 73 by Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) which seeks to protect Californians from election interference. SB 73 includes an urgency clause to ensure these protections are available for the June 2nd statewide primary election. The California State Senate is once again standing up for the constitutional rights of all voters.
“In California, we remain committed to upholding fair, inclusive, and accessible elections for all eligible voters in our state to ensure they can participate in our democratic process. This bill protects California eligible voters from deliberate and inappropriate intimidation by any entity as eligible voters exercise their right to vote and ensures all ballots are counted fairly and transparently. The California State Legislature is dedicated to defending our democracy, and Senate Bill 73 advances that commitment.”
- Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón
“The Legislature will continue to do everything in our power to protect California’s democratic process. We will always defend the rights of voters, reject every attempt at intimidation or suppression, and uphold the integrity of our elections. The Assembly and Senate stand united, because safeguarding democracy isn’t optional. It’s our oath.”
- Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas
These protections are essential to the voting process in California as both local and federal officials seek to undermine this democratic tradition. Under Senate Bill 73, the Attorney General or the Secretary of State can stop law enforcement officers, including federal officials, from being posted or deployed at voting locations or county elections offices. Law enforcement, including federal law enforcement, will not be able to access voting machines or voter rolls without a court order. It also makes the removal of ballots from the custody of a county registrar a felony.
“Our right to vote is sacred, and Senate Democrats will fight to protect the sanctity of California’s elections. Senate Bill 73 is a direct response to ongoing efforts to undermine confidence in our democratic process. Senate Democrats will not stand by while these attacks threaten Californians’ voices at the ballot box. We are taking action to safeguard every Californian’s right to vote and maintain their faith in the integrity of our elections.”
- Senator Cervantes, D-Riverside
To read more about Senate Bill 73, please click here. The bill takes effect immediately today after being signed into law.
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