News from the Secretary of State

Secretary Padilla Welcomes New U.S. Citizens at Naturalization Ceremonies in Fresno and San Diego

Secretary of State Alex Padilla took his message of civic and voter engagement to more than 2,500 new U.S. Citizens at naturalization ceremonies held in Fresno and San Diego.

Included among the new citizens were military service women and men, such as Luis Alfredo Alvarez of San Diego who serves in the United States Marine Corps.

Alvarez was one of 1,000 new citizens to take the oath at San Diego's Golden Hall in downtown on May 24th. More than 1,500 took the oath of citizenship at the Fresno Convention Center on May 16th.

Notable media coverage:

Fresno Bee: California leader, a child of immigrants, welcomes 1,000 new U.S. citizens.

NBC San Diego: 1,5000 Sworn in as New Citizens in San Diego

Secretary Padilla Pays Tribute to Fallen Service Women and Men on Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country. It is a time for us to reflect and honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have served in defense of democracy and the freedoms and rights we enjoy as Americans, including the right to vote.

Secretary Padilla addressed veterans and the family of fallen service members at the Presidio in San Francisco on Memorial Day.

Leading up to Memorial Day, Secretary Padilla urged California citizens to dedicate their past or future votes in honor of those who paid the ultimate price. To dedicate your vote or learn more about the Honor Veterans. Vote. program, visit HonorVeterans.sos.ca.gov.

County Elections Officials Descend on the State Capitol to Support the Voting Modernization Bond of 2018

Elections officials from across California joined Secretary Padilla and Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) in Sacramento to build support for AB668, the Voting Modernization Bond Act of 2018. The legislation seeks $450 million to update aging equipment and modernize how the state conducts elections to improve the voting experience.

Secretary Padilla and Assemblymember Gonzalez Fletcher authored an OpEd in support of the measure. AB668 received bipartisan approval in the State Assembly and now heads to the State Senate.

Secretary Padilla Opposes Federal Voter ID Law Introduced by Indiana Congressman

Secretary Padilla opposes any effort to limit voter access or make it unnecessarily difficult for eligible voters to cast a ballot. That's why he opposes H.R. 2090, introduced by Indiana Rep. Luke Messer, which requires voters to present photo identification before casting a ballot in federal elections.

“Voter ID laws have been used to strategically impede voting. In April, a federal judge ruled that 'the voter identification law the Texas Legislature passed in 2011 was enacted with the intent to discriminate against black and Hispanic voters.' Rather than create barriers to voting, Congress should invest in our democracy by providing much needed funding to update and secure our nation’s voting systems. Undermining the fundamental voting rights of Americans is contrary to our values and our democracy," said Secretary Padilla.

California State Archives’ Speaker Series Welcomes Author Tim Stroshane

Author Tim Stroshane was the latest presenter in the California State Archives’ Speakers Series. Stroshane read from his book Drought, Water Law, and the Origins of California's Central Valley Project, and discussed how drought and legal conflict shaped statewide economic development. He examined how the grand bargain of a San Joaquin River water exchange was struck from this monopoly legacy, setting the stage for future water wars.

Click here to watch Stroshane's full remarks.

More Than 10 Million Records Now Available Online Through California Business Search

As part of an ongoing effort to digitize and make business documents more readily available, Secretary Padilla announced the release of an additional 5 million searchable and downloadable business records through the new California Business Search tool. To access documents, visit: BusinessSearch.sos.ca.gov

The Case for Moving Up California's Presidential Primary

The Prime Time Primary bill (SB568), is advancing through the legislature with bipartisan support. The legislation is sponsored by Secretary Padilla and introduced by Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens). Padilla and Lara authored an OpEd in the San Diego Union Tribune in support of scheduling California's presidential primary earlier in the year. An earlier primary will empower Californians to have a greater impact in the selection process of our presidential nominees.

Click here to read the full OpEd.

Secretary Padilla Recognizes Employees for Distinguished Service

On May 9, Secretary Padilla recognized California Secretary of State employees who, during this past year, achieved their 20th, 25th and 30+ years of state service.

We are fortunate to have such dedicated employees in our agency. They not only bring experience and knowledge to work each day, they are also sharing that knowledge with the next generation of state employees. The Secretary expressed his genuine appreciation for their outstanding service to the people of California.

Please join us in congratulating these dedicated employees for their service to the people of California!