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A Message from Secretary Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.

Greetings Californians,

Ballots are on the move, and so is our democracy! Over 5.5 million vote-by-mail ballots have already been returned for the November 4 Statewide Special Election. Additionally, as of September 5, 2025, 23,061,263 eligible Californians are registered to vote which is a new record!

For the November 4 Special Election, every active registered voter has been mailed a ballot. You can return yours by mail, place it in an official drop box, or bring it to an early voting location or vote center—whatever works best for you! My website has a tool where a voter can type in their county or zip code, and the tool identifies that voter’s voting options at www.caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.

Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before November 4 and received by November 12. In some locations, mail may not be postmarked by United States Postal Service until the following day, so it is recommended you get a manual postmark from a postal employee inside your local U.S. Post Office if mailing your ballot on Election Day, November 4, 2025. If you want peace of mind, sign up for “Where’s My Ballot?” to get automatic updates when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted. If you need information in another language, the Official Voter Information Guide is available in multiple languages, including American Sign Language (https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov).

If you missed the traditional registration deadline, California’s Same Day Registration ensures you can still register and vote through Election Day. For survivors who need to protect their location information, the Safe at Home program offers confidential voter registration for future elections—please see the special article below. For voters in 29 Voter’s Choice Act counties, expanded voting options make it easier to cast a ballot early and securely. The California Voter's Choice Act (VCA) model allows voters to choose how, when, and where to cast their ballot by expanding in-person early voting, allowing voters to cast a ballot at any vote center within their county, and providing secure ballot drop off locations throughout the county.

In September, our team visited high schools across Los Angeles County encouraging 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote; worked in communities statewide that were preparing for early voting and reminding voters of key deadlines; and I joined national colleagues on the global stage in Germany, exchanging ideas on cybersecurity, civic education, and safeguarding democratic institutions as shared below. Democracy is strongest when we inform, include, and inspire every eligible voter to participate.

We’re meeting people where they are through Apostille Pop-Up events that bring these in-person services closer to home. Our Promote the Vote podcast that helps combat misinformation and build trust by bringing the podcast to a platform that many already use. New laws this year also make our processes more transparent and modern to meet people’s needs in the digital age.

Remember, your vote is your power. Make a plan today: locate your drop box or vote center, track your ballot, and help a friend or family member do the same. Together, we can ensure every voice is heard and every ballot is counted—accurately, securely, and on time.

Don’t delay, vote today!

Sincerely,

Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.

California Secretary of State 

NEWS AND ANNOUCEMENTS

From Capitol to Classroom: Secretary Weber’s Journey Inspires UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy Students

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Ph.D., visited UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy on Sunday, October 19, 2025. She spoke to students in the Agile Government program, giving them a real-world look at what democracy in action is all about. Secretary Weber provided insights into how to make public service better through smart policy and practical action.

Secretary Weber, a lifelong public servant and educator, spoke about the challenge of turning big ideas into lasting results. She shared her experiences leading major efforts, including expanding voting rights, advancing racial equity, and authoring Assembly Bill 3121 (2020), which focuses on reparations. The examples shared show how strong leadership must focus on being flexible, adaptable, and people-centered, especially when solving complex problems or creating new policies and programs.

Secretary Weber’s journey from professor to policymaker is also connected deeply with the Goldman School’s focus on learning by doing. Her visit reminded students that understanding policy is only part of the work. The real impact comes from understanding what people need and inspiring engagement through community building.

Secretary Weber Tours School is Los Angeles County 

Secretary Weber visited students at Dominguez High School, Middle College High School, Centennial High School, and Lawndale High School in Los Angeles County during High School Voter Education Weeks,  to talk about the power of their voices and how voting shapes their communities. Secretary Weber emphasized how voting is not just a right, but a vital tool for change. She encouraged students to become informed, active participants in our democracy by starting with pre-registration.

Thanks to these impactful conversations and our strong partnership with the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters, 273 eligible students successfully pre-registered to vote leading them to take an important first step toward civic participation.

Secretary Weber Participates in the First National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Delegation visit to Germany 

Secretary Weber was selected to be a part of the first National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) delegation to visit Germany.

This historic delegation was organized in partnership with Aspen Institute Germany, with support from the German Embassy in Washington, D.C., and brought together state election officials from across the United States for a weeklong series of in-depth discussions.

The visit focused on a range of critical topics related to election administration and democratic governance, including cybersecurity best practices, transatlantic cooperation, civic education, and the safeguarding of democratic institutions. Through high-level meetings with German government officials, policy experts, and civil society leaders, participants shared challenges and innovative approaches to strengthening electoral systems and public trust in democratic processes.

VOTING AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT 

Exercise Your Voting Rights in the November 4^th Special Election!

Every election matters, and it is important to make your voice heard. As a California voter, you will have the opportunity in the upcoming November 4, 2025, Special Election to vote on the redistricting of California’s congressional district maps. All active registered voters should have received a Voter Information Guide from their county which provides information about what their vote means, when and where to cast your ballot and your rights as a California Voter. The Voter Information Guide can also be found on the Secretary of State’s website (https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov) in the following languages: American Sign Language, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.

Track Your Vote-by-Mail Ballot with "Where’s My Ballot?"

Tracking your vote-by-mail ballot is easy. With “Where’s My Ballot?”, a service offered by the California Secretary of State, voters can receive automatic updates on the status of their ballot—when it’s mailed, received, and counted.

Don’t delay. Vote Today: Cast Your Ballot Before Election Day

California voters now have more flexibility than ever when it comes to casting their ballots. With multiple voting options available before Election Day, we encourage all voters to take advantage of early voting opportunities. Ballots can be returned by mail, placed in an official drop box, or delivered to any early voting location. To find the most convenient option near you, please visit our Early Voting website. Avoid the last-minute rush—vote today.

2025 Special Election Toll-Free Voter Hotline 

• 800) 345-VOTE (8683) – English
• (800) 232-VOTA (8682) - Español / Spanish I
• (800) 339-2857 - 中文 / Chinese
• (888) 345-2692 - हिन्दी / Hindi
• (800) 339-2865 - 日本語 / Japanese
• (888) 345-4917 - ខ្មែរ / Khmer
• (866) 575-1558 - 한국어 / Korean
• (800) 339-2957 - Tagalog
• (855) 345-3933 - ภาษาไทย / Thai
• (800) 339-8163 - Việt ngữ / Vietnamese

California Leads National Voter Education Week

“California is proud to lead the nation in voter education efforts,” said Secretary Weber. With more than 23 million registered voters—representing nearly 85 percent of all eligible Californians, our state continues to set the national standard for civic participation. Since 2016, more than 1.2 million 16- and 17-year-olds have pre-registered to vote, ensuring the next generation is ready to make their voices heard. Through initiatives like High School Voter Education Weeks, National Voter Education Week, and the Voter’s Choice Act, California empowers every community with multilingual resources, accessible options, and the knowledge needed to confidently cast their ballots. If you’re a first-time voter or newly eligible Californian, now is your moment. Visit registertovote.ca.gov to confirm your registration, learn about your voting options, and join more than 23 million Californians in shaping the future of our democracy.

To learn more about the SVP, please visit the its website and sign up for more college resources and campus-related engagement.

Confidential Voting for Safe at Home Participants 

If you're enrolled in California’s Safe at Home program, you can register as a confidential voter to help protect your personal information while participating in elections.

The deadline to register as a confidential voter for the November 4, 2025 election has passed (October 20, 2025).  However, you can still register and vote in the upcoming election—you just won’t be registered confidentially for this election.

To ensure your confidential voter status is in place for future elections, follow these steps:

1. Make sure you're enrolled in the Safe at Home program and meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Request a Confidential Voter Registration Card by contacting the Safe at Home program:

Phone: 1-877-322-5227

Email: SafeAtHome@sos.ca.gov

Don't wait—register early to ensure your information remains protected in future elections.

Secretary Weber Joins Attorney General Rob Bonta for Panel on Artificial Intelligence and Democracy  

IN THE COMMUNITY

Upcoming Apostille Pop-Ups

The California Secretary of State will be hosting Apostille Pop-Up events throughout California, bringing essential services directly to the community in a more accessible and convenient format.

At these events, members of the public are able to obtain apostilles, official certifications that authenticate the signatures on documents for international use, without needing to travel to a regional office. The Pop-Up events help streamline the process for individuals handling international adoptions, studying or working abroad, conducting overseas business, and more.

By offering this service in a community setting, the Secretary of State continues her commitment to improving public access to vital government services and meeting people where they are.

Below are the upcoming events:

San Diego – Wednesday, November 5, 2025 In partnership with the San Diego Assessor - Recorder - County Clerk's Office

Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Location: San Diego County Administration Center 1600 Pacific Highway, 2nd Floor, Room 273 San Diego, CA 92101

Free Parking

San Jose – Wednesday, November 12, 2025

In partnership with the County of Santa Clara Clerk-Recorder’s Office

Time: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder's Office

110 W Tasman Drive, 1^st Floor, San Jose, CA 95134

Free Parking

San Bernadino – Tuesday, November 18, 2025

In partnership with the San Bernardino Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk 

Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 

Location: Hall of Records

222 W. Hospitality Lane, First Floor

San Bernardino, CA 92415 

Free Parking

AGENCY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

New Season of the Promote the Vote Podcast! 

The Promote the Vote Podcast is back with a powerful three-episode season featuring a diverse roundtable of experts in civic engagement, business leadership, and community organizing.

This season explores how democracy shows up in our everyday spaces: workplaces, businesses, and neighborhoods, and the vital role each plays in strengthening voter participation. Together, we share practical strategies to push back against misinformation and build community trust.

Episode 1: Celebrating Progress, Strengthening Democracy: Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act In the season finale of This is Promote the Vote California, The Podcast, we explore the personal impact of voting—why we show up, what happens when we don’t, and how our choices shape our lives and communities. We discuss ways to help each other prioritize voting, especially in local elections, and how to foster a culture of voter participation. With so much misinformation out there, we also share tips for spotting credible sources and making informed choices about the issues that matter most.

Episode 2: The Business Case for Voter Engagement In this episode, we dive into how voter engagement supports business growth and how advocacy organizations can help build authentic connections and community trust. We tackle barriers to participation and share practical strategies to align voter engagement with company goals—boosting brand integrity, morale, and expanding community impact.

Episode 3: The Impact of Your Vote and Handling Misinformation       Recorded live at the California Secretary of State’s office, this special episode marks the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Panelists reflect on its national legacy and California’s leadership in expanding ballot access for underserved communities—while underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance, reform, and civic empowerment

POLICY INITIATIVES 

California’s State 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:

Governor Newsom has signed the following SOS-sponsored bills into law:

• AB 808 Campaign statements and registrations
  • This bill eliminates the option to file various statements and reports by facsimile transmission and authorizes certain reports to be filed by email.
• AB 1249 Early voting: satellite locations.  
  • This bill permits a voter using a vote by mail ballot, no later than 29 days before the day of an election, to vote at the office of the elections official or a satellite location.
• AB 1392 Elections: voter registration information: elected officials and candidates.   
  • This bill exempts the residence address, telephone number, and email address of a federal, state, or local elected official or candidate from that disclosure requirement, except that the information may be disclosed for journalistic or governmental purposes under specified conditions. 
• AB 1411 Voter education and outreach plans. 
  • The bill requires counties that do not conduct an election as an all-mailed ballot election, to design and implement a voter education and outreach plan to identify and register qualified voters who are not registered to vote.
• SB 482 Roster of public officials: local government.   
  • This bill requires, no more than 120 days after each general election, the governing body of each city, county, or city and county, or their delegated local entity, to submit to the Secretary of State an updated list of local elected or appointed officials for publication.
• SB 621 Voter registration: military and overseas voters.   
  • This bill removes an outdated rule that allowed certain military and overseas voters to register after the normal deadline. The change is being made because these voters are now covered under the general conditional voter registration process, which allows anyone, including military and overseas voters, to register and vote up to and on Election Day.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Explore all current job openings at the Secretary of State’s office by visiting CalCareers.