California is behind in compliance with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).
Designated state agencies must ensure full compliance with the NVRA’s mandates. By improving compliance, we can increase voter registration rates for people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.
We need significantly increased state budget allocations toward voter education and outreach, especially in addressing the information needs of voters with disabilities. Improving awareness about accessible voting options will ensure that all voters have the knowledge and resources to participate fully in the electoral process.
Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) implementation is incomplete.
The effective implementation of the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) is an important accessibility issue. The VCA expands early voting and offers more flexible voting opportunities to voters in participating counties. In particular, the state needs better implementation of the VCA’s robust public input process on election planning and full implementation of the law’s many accessible voting requirements. Additionally, only half (28) of California’s counties fully participate in the VCA.
Accessible Voting Options are still missing for some disabled Californians.
Electronic ballot return for individuals with print disabilities is an essential step towards creating a fully accessible and equitable voting environment. Voters with print disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision, cannot currently return a vote by mail ballot privately and independently. California should implement voting technology that allows electronic ballot returns. Electronic ballot return is a proven technology in use in numerous states.