As we reflect on the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, a moment that stands as a testament to the enduring fight for civil rights and our democracy, we draw strength and inspiration from the courageous Americans who fought for the right to vote. In the summer of 1964, brave men and women—both Black and White—came together in Mississippi to challenge a system of oppression and exclusion. Their mission was simple yet profound: to ensure that every American, regardless of race, had the right to participate in our democracy.  

As California’s Secretary of State, I am deeply moved by the legacy of Freedom Summer. Those summer days in Mississippi were about more than just registering voters; they were about affirming the dignity and equality of every American. The volunteers who risked their lives understood a profound truth: the right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy.  



Civic engagement is essential. When we vote, we don’t just choose our representatives; we shape the policies that impact our daily lives. From the quality of our educational systems, our healthcare, economic opportunities, and environmental protections, every ballot cast is a voice heard within the corridors of power and affirmation that every voice matters in our democracy. 

So, what can we do today? We can make sure we register to vote and encourage our friends, family, and neighbors to do the same. Remind them that every vote matters and that their participation is critical to the health of our democracy. Protect your vote by ensuring that your voter registration is current and accurate. To register to vote or check the status of your voter registration, click here Online Voter Registration | California Secretary of State. 

This month, we will host our inaugural Research Symposium at the Secretary of State Headquarters, where we will hear from researchers who are working to provide data and insight about California voters and how we can improve voter registration and better engage voters with diverse backgrounds, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. I invite you to join us on August 26th by registering here: Events: California Secretary of State. This is an opportunity to bring together scholars, students, and researchers to discuss voting data shaping the future of democracy in our state. 

The symposium will feature insights from me along with data research presentations from leading experts in the field of elections and voting rights. 



This symposium represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to transparent, secure, and accessible elections in California. By bringing together diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research, we aim to foster innovative solutions to the challenges facing our democratic processes. 

Secretary Weber, Betsy Bogart, Division Chief of Business Programs, and Shannon Delgado, Assistant Chief of Business Programs, presenting at the National Association of Secretary of State

One of the most important aspects of my role as California’s Secretary of State is ensuring that the services we provide are accessible, efficient, and customer-friendly for everyone. A perfect example of this commitment is our innovative Apostille Pop-Up Shops program, which has been a game changer for so many Californians.

For those who may not be familiar, an Apostille is an official certificate that authenticates the signature of a public official on documents intended for use outside the United States. Common documents requiring an Apostille include birth and marriage certificates, college transcripts, and powers of attorney. These are critical documents, and the process to obtain an Apostille can sometimes be daunting, especially for those who live far from our brick-and-mortar offices in Sacramento and Los Angeles. 

This is why I am incredibly proud of our Apostille Pop-Up Shops. This initiative was born out of our commitment to bring our services directly to the people who need them, rather than expecting them to come to us. We have partnered with local county officials across California to set up temporary in-person Apostille services in community locations like county offices and local libraries. 

Job Opportunities at the SOS

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

• Associate Governmental Program Analyst/Staff Services Analyst – Management Services Division, Human Resources Bureau (JC-446146) 

• Associate Governmental Program Analyst/Staff Services Analyst - Special Projects Liaison – Archives Division (JC-446150) 

• Associate Governmental Program Analyst (Multiple) - Notary Compliance Analyst – Business Programs Division (JC-446828)

• Career Executive Assignment (C.E.A.) - CA State Archives Chief – Archives Division (JC-444164) 

• Program Technician II – Management Services Division, Safe at Home Program (JC-445275) 

• Information Technology Specialist I - Quality Assurance – Information Technology Division (JC-446894)