Ensuring Your Voice is Heard—The Power of Exercising Your Vote  

This month, we proudly celebrate California’s Hispanic Heritage, and the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our state. Hispanic Heritage Month was first established as a week-long celebration by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 and was later expanded to a full month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. It now stands as a time to honor the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans who have influenced the history, culture, and development of the U.S. The term “Hispanic” broadly encompasses individuals with heritage from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The celebration highlights: 

• Cultural traditions such as music, dance, and cuisine. 
• Historical contributions from Hispanic Americans in fields such as politics, art, education, and civil rights. 
• Social impact on community development, the labor movement, and social justice advocacy. 

In California, this celebration holds special significance due to the state’s large Hispanic and Latino population. Festivals, cultural performances, educational programs, and government proclamations are just a few ways we honor the vital role of Hispanic Californians across many fields. Nearly 40% of California’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, reflecting a historical and cultural connection that enriches our state and highlights its ongoing role in shaping the nation’s Hispanic culture. 

However, research from the University of California, Los Angeles Voting Rights Project; California State University, Sacramento; and other sources highlights that more efforts are needed to engage Latino, Black, AAPI, and other eligible voters particularly in rural, low-income, and hard-to-reach communities across the state. 

In the dual role as California’s Secretary of State and Chief Election Officer, I am committed to ensuring that every eligible Californian has the opportunity to vote and that the integrity of our elections is upheld. With this privilege comes a deep responsibility—not only to protect your right to vote but also to ensure that you are empowered with the knowledge to fully use your voice. I encourage you to check our voter website and connect with your local county election office to stay informed about key dates for the upcoming election and learn how we are working together to safeguard our democracy. 

On August 12th, I officially certified that the information presented in the Voter Information Guide was accurately prepared and in accordance with the law.

This guide is an essential resource for voters, providing impartial and nonpartisan analysis of statewide ballot measures, along with arguments for and against each one. It also offers vital information about statewide candidates, election procedures, and the rights of voters in California. Counties will begin mailing ballots to all registered voters for the 2024 Election by October 7. The online version of the Voter Information Guide is available on our website. 

Now is the perfect time to educate yourself on the issues and candidates that will appear on your ballot. Take the opportunity to review both sides of each proposition and consider how these decisions may impact your community and future. 

Voter Registration Guide Webinar

Join California Secretary of State, Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., and the Elections Division for a virtual information session on voting in the General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

Topics will include:

• Overview of the state Voter Information Guide

• Understanding the Quick Reference Guide

• Propositions

• Candidates running for office

• The Voter Information Guide website, including Presidential candidate statements

• How to order additional Voter Information Guides and available formats

This event will be held on Tuesday, September 24, from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. We look forward to your participation!

Ballots are on their way! Want to know where your ballot is or if it’s been counted?

All active registered voters in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for each election. For the upcoming General Election on November 5, 2024, counties will begin mailing ballots by October 7, 2024.

I encourage you to stay informed about your ballot by signing up for “Where’s My Ballot?”, our ballot tracking service. With this tool, you can receive automatic notifications via email, text, or voice call to track the status of your ballot—from when it’s on its way to you, to when it has been returned, or counted.

Stay informed, stay engaged, and make sure your voice is heard!

What is CARS?

The Governor’s approval of Senate Bill 1349 in September 2016 marked the beginning of a new era for California’s political disclosure system. This law mandates the Secretary of State to create a modern online platform for all filings and disclosures. The updated CAL-ACCESS Replacement System(CARS) will offer greater efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability. It is designed to be more user-friendly and offer enhanced insights into campaign finance and lobbying activities.

This digital transformation marks a significant advancement in modernizing California’s political transparency. 

California State Association of Counties Breakfast

August 27^th, 2024

On August 27, I had the pleasure of joining county government officials from across California to discuss key issues related to election administration. It was an honor to be a part of this discussion with the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), which represents officials working directly with the public and often underrepresented communities that can be difficult to reach. Topics of discussion included our office’s preparations for the upcoming presidential election, addressing security vulnerabilities, and the influence of AI on elections.

Job Opportunities at the SOS

Below is a listing of all current job openings at the Secretary of State’s office.

• Staff Services Manager III - Assistant to the Chief of Legislative Affairs – Executive Division, Legislative Affairs (JC-450347)
• Staff Services Analyst - Lobbying Registration & Reporting Analyst – Political Reform Division (JC-450257)
• Attorney IV (Multiple) – Executive Division, Legal Affairs Office (JC-450356)
• Staff Services Analyst - Campaign Filings Support Analyst – Political Reform Division (JC-450314)
• Staff Services Manager I – Elections Division (JC-449521)
• Accountant Trainee – Fiscal Affairs Division, Accounting (JC-449416)
• Information Technology Specialist I - Application Developer – Information Technology Division (JC-449492)
• Accounting Officer (Specialist) – Fiscal Affairs Division, Accounting (JC-448888)
• Staff Services Analyst (Limited Term, Full-time) - Compliance Support Analyst – Political Reform Division (JC-449011)
• Staff Services Manager I - Records Management Manager – Archives Division (JC-448993)
• Supervising Program Technician II – Business Programs Division (JC-448966)
• Career Executive Assignment (C.E.A.) - CA State Archives Chief ­– Archives Division (JC-444164)