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A Message from Secretary Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. |
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Welcome to the September 2025 issue of the California Secretary of State Newsletter!
California’s election officials are once again proving to the nation that we can meet extraordinary challenges with excellence. As we prepare for the November 4th special election, we will do so with precision, collaboration, and trust.
Elections are never the work of a single person or a single office; they are the collective effort of thousands of people across every county—from recruiting and training poll workers to preparing voter materials, and safeguarding ballots. In my office, we advocate for funding and statutes that counties require while also providing direct technical support. Together, Californians can vote with confidence.
This work is deeply personal to me. As a child growing up in Los Angeles, my own home was used as a polling place. I witnessed firsthand the energy, care, and sacrifice required to bring democracy to life. Today, as your Secretary of State, I carry these memories with me and remain committed to protecting that fundamental right for every generation, now and for the future.
In August, we commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act—one of the great pillars of American democracy. The celebration at the Secretary of State auditorium was moderated by Guy Marzorati, KQED Correspondent, and brought together Speaker Emeritus Willie Brown, civil rights pioneer Melba Pattillo Beals of the Little Rock Nine, justice advocate Adam Cain, and Lexi Tesch, a leader of the League of Women Voters. Their words reminded us that the right to vote was won with courage and must be defended with vigilance. A full recap of the event appears later in this newsletter, and a podcast will follow in a future issue.
We are also celebrating progress: Imperial County has become California’s 30th Voter’s Choice Act county, expanding access and flexibility for voters. This month’s High School Voter Education Weeks will once again engage our youngest voters and reinforce the responsibilities of democracy.
As we prepare for November, let us be reminded that democracy is not a gift from the past but rather a promise that must be renewed every election. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.
California Secretary of State
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Honoring 60 Years of the Voting Rights Act
“The power of voting is truly the power to shape your destiny, your community, and your future. It is the most fundamental way we declare our equality and insist upon justice. The Voting Rights Act was not merely a law—it was a lifeline for democracy. And sixty years later, it remains both a victory we celebrate and a responsibility we must continue to uphold.” Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.
On August 25, the California Secretary of State’s Office hosted a distinguished panel marking the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). The discussion, moderated by KQED correspondent Guy Marzorati, brought together leaders whose lives and work reflect the past, present, and future of voting rights in America.
Secretary Weber was joined by her longtime friend, Willie Brown, Speaker Emeritus of the California State Assembly; Melba Pattillo Beals, educator, journalist, and member of the Little Rock Nine who helped integrate Little Rock Central High School in 1957; Adam Cain, an entertainer and advocate with Initiate Justice, and Lexie Tesch of the League of Women Voters.
The VRA, signed into law on August 6, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson, represents one of the most significant civil rights achievements in American history. Brown reminded the audience that while marches and demonstrations were vital, it was the passage of the Act that forever changed the balance of political power.
“Marches and demonstrations stirred the conscience of this nation, but the Voting Rights Act shifted the balance of power. President Johnson signed that law with Dr. King and others at his side signaling that Black votes would finally carry weight in deciding who leads, who governs, and who enforces the law. That moment changed the course of American democracy.” Willie Brown, Speaker Emeritus of the California State Assembly
Panelists reflected on how the promise of the VRA continues today. Cain spoke about expanding the franchise to include formerly incarcerated individuals, while Tesch underscored the ongoing need to engage young people and underrepresented communities. Beals, who risked her life as a teenager to integrate an American high school, reminded the audience that progress is never guaranteed without courage and vigilance.
The event made clear that while the Voting Rights Act was a transformative victory, the work of protecting and expanding the franchise continues. As Secretary Weber emphasized, “Our democracy depends on every generation taking up the responsibility to defend the right to vote.”
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National Night Out: Building Community, Sharing Democracy
The Secretary of State’s Outreach team celebrated a double milestone on August 5th, joining National Night Out events in both Yolo and Los Angeles counties.
National Night Out is a nationwide tradition that brings neighbors together, strengthens community ties and raises awareness about public safety programs. In Los Angeles, the evening featured a dramatic helicopter landing by first responders, while in Yolo County, families played games, won prizes, and connected with local safety officials.
At both events, our Outreach team was on hand to share voting resources and answer questions—reminding Californians that safe, connected communities and active civic participation go hand in hand.
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VOTING AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT |
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Imperial County Joins the Voter's Choice Act
Exciting news! Imperial County officially approved funding to implement the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA), becoming the 30th county in California to adopt this modern voting model.
With this milestone, residents in Imperial County will have expanded access to vote centers, convenient ballot drop boxes, and more flexible options to cast their vote. Under Secretary Weber’s leadership, the VCA expands statewide, giving California voters more days and more ways to make their voices heard, reaching over 17 million eligible voters.
Congratulations to Imperial County on taking an important step forward to strengthening access to ballot boxes!
“Every voter deserves both access and choice—that’s what the Voter’s Choice Act delivers.” Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.
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High School Voter Education Week
California Education Code section 49040(a) designates the last two full weeks of April and September as High School Voter Education Weeks. These weeks provide an opportunity for high schools and their students to partner with county election officials to promote civic education and participation.
Participating high school students have the opportunity to learn how to pre-register to vote, how to become a student election poll worker, and possibly organize voter registration drives on their campuses.
"High School Voter Education Weeks embody the spirit of democracy by empowering our youth with the knowledge and tools necessary to engage in the electoral process," said Secretary Weber, "As we reach out to California's high schools, our goal is to inspire a new generation to acknowledge the power of their vote and the impact it can have on shaping their future and all our communities. I always look forward to seeing the enthusiasm and commitment of our students as they embark on this journey toward becoming lifelong voters and active participants in our democracy."
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Apostille Pop-Up Program Coming Near You!
The California Secretary of State (SOS) Business Programs Division continues to support the popular Apostille Pop-Up series. We are committed to continuing this work, assisting customers with vital paperwork needed for use abroad. A huge thank you to our county partners and our dedicated staff for helping us bring services closer to the people of California.
On September 17, 2025, San Diego hosted one of its most successful Apostille Pop‑Up events yet at the County Recorder/County Clerk Downtown Office.
The event had record breaking turnout with over 800 individuals served during the event and the number of apostilles processed well into the thousands. This is a continuation of a trend in past events that have seen over 2,000 apostilles issued.
Modernizing Campaign Finance Transparency: The CARS Project
In September 2016, the Legislature approved Senate Bill 1349, directing the Secretary of State to create a modern online platform for filing campaign finance disclosures and lobbying reports. In response, the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System (CARS) was developed to improve access to campaign finance information provided by state candidates, donors, lobbyists, and others who play a role in California’s political process.
CARS is designed to make transparency easier, faster, and more accessible for the public. Below are a few highlights of the project’s current progress:
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CARS Monthly External Stakeholder Meetings These meetings, held on the second Wednesday of each month, keep stakeholders informed and provide opportunities to ask questions about the CARS Project. The latest session took place on September 10 from 1:30–2:30 p.m., featuring project updates and a preview of upcoming functionality.
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Program Increment I User Acceptance Testing of all PI-1A features was completed on 8/29/2025, a very significant accomplishment by our team of testers. The analysis of PI-1B requirements is complete. The Project team is working with FPPC on our plans for simplified output of reporting.
Why It Matters
CARS is more than a technology upgrade—it’s a commitment to accountability. By modernizing California’s campaign finance system, we are making it easier for voters, journalists, and watchdogs to quickly see who is funding campaigns, how money is spent, and how influence shapes politics. This transparency strengthens trust in our elections and empowers Californians to make informed decisions at the ballot box.
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The Legislature continues to advance measures that improve transparency, strengthen election security, and expand voter access. Below is a summary of recent legislation impacting the work of the Secretary of State’s office:
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AB 808 – Campaign Filings Submitted by Email
Allows campaign committees to submit required campaign finance filings electronically by email, making the filing process more accessible and efficient.
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AB 1164 – Requesting New Ballots
Provides voters with a streamlined process to request a replacement ballot if their original ballot is damaged, lost, or not received.
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AB1249 – Early Voting: Satellite Locations
Expands opportunities for early voting by authorizing counties to establish additional satellite voting locations.
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AB 1392 – Confidentiality of Elected Officials’ Information
Strengthens protections for elected officials by ensuring certain personal information remains confidential from public disclosure.
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AB 1411 – Election Education and Outreach
Enhances voter education by requiring new outreach efforts to inform Californians about election laws, registration, and voting resources.
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SB 482 – Local Officials List Update
Requires the Secretary of State to regularly update and publish the list of local elected or appointed officials, increasing transparency and public access to government representation.
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Explore all current job openings at the Secretary of State’s office by visiting CalCareers. |
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