NEW! Short videos on the 11 ballot measure to help you vote with confidence on November 6.

Senate should stop AB 84 before it allows legislative leaders to raise and direct unlimited amounts of special interest money.

Get the facts before you vote on June 5

Get unbiased, well-researched info on the ballot measures so you can vote with confidence on June 5.

Meet our newest staffer ready to help Californians vote in 2018!

The California Schools and Local Communities Funding Act of 2018 will create a “split roll”; non-residential, non-agricultural commercial property will be reassessed on a regular basis. This will lead to an estimated increase in property tax of over $11 billion per year -- revenue that will go directly to schools and local governments....

Review the bills we oppose and/or support in our Bill Status Report: http://bit.ly/lwvcbills17

With strong support from Governor Brown, legislators from both parties joined together to pass AB 398 last week, extending California’s cap and trade program until 2030.

Our partners, Common Cause and McGeorge School of Law have put together an online resource for local governments interested in establishing local commissions: www.localredistricting.org. The site includes guidance on creating commissions, a database of every local redistricting ordinance passed in the state, research, and other resources. As part of the project, Common Cause has also committed to helping local organizations or jurisdictions interested in creating a commission with education, research, and drafting.

The Voting Modernization Bond Act of 2018, seeks $450 million to improve California’s voting systems. The funding would update aging equipment and modernize how the state conducts elections to improve the voting experience.

Our group warns failure to fully implement voter-approved measure could invalidate important legislation, restrict public and press recordings of proceedings

Get your local election information using our online voter guide: Voter's Edge: votersedge.org/ca

Do you live in any of these counties: Los Angeles, San Mateo, Alameda, Sonoma or Santa Clara? If you do, you have local elections this March, April, May or June!
Get your ballot from Voter's Edge California: www.votersedge.org/ca
How will you vote about the issues impacting your community every day?

Want to make a difference in your community? Volunteer today!
How can you volunteer with the League?
1. To help in your community, find your local League and ask today!
2. Contact us to volunteer on voter education and outreach projects like Voter's Edge California via email at lwvc [at] lwvc.org.

California Common Cause has published it's Municipal Democracy Index, a survey of the governance, election, and campaign practices of ALL 482 cities in California with info like:
· What form of government do most cities use;· Which offices are elected;· What voting system do cities use, including the number of cities using at-large, by-district, and from-district elections; and· Which cities have campaign contribution limits and which cities post campaign disclosures online.

Mark your calendars for our Convention in Sacramento, A Capital Connection! On June 1–June 4 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel.
Visit our blog often for more information
Contact us with questions or to sponsor this event

We need your help. For months, we’ve witnessed growing anti-government rhetoric in the media and in our public discourse.  Accusations of “rigged elections” and “inherent corruption in our political process” have become commonplace. For many, memes have replaced journalism and threats and insults have replaced political debate.   

Legislative transparency, improvements for our kids dominate

Now that California’s voters have overwhelmingly approved Proposition 54, the California Legislature Transparency Act is now the law of the land, enshrined within California’s Constitution.

Media outlets and nonprofit organizations can easily integrate ballot measure and candidate cards into any webpage to supplement their coverage of election contests and help voters research their ballots.

With 17 propositions on California’s general election ballot this year, voters are faced with many decisions, and some can be confusing. There is one ballot measure, however, that’s an easy “yes” vote. Proposition 54 will increase transparency in government, help ensure more thoughtful policy and allow all Californians to review, debate and contribute to the laws we live under.

The great news about the controversy-filled Nov. 8 election is that it is almost here. The scary news is that before we can be done with it, we have to prepare for it. And with 17 statewide ballot propositions and a slew of city and countywide measures awaiting our decisions, what we are looking at is less a civic sprint than a municipal marathon. Cue the blood, sweat and fears.

There are times when an issue is so important, people from all points of view come together to demand change. This is one of those times. Proposition 54 will bring transparency to our state Capitol by putting voters first and reducing the influence of the special interests.

Help voters get the info they need from Voter's Edge California to vote with confidence on Election Day!

We are partnering with the Pat Brown Institute and KABC7 on the ONLY debate between the two California candidates for the U.S. Senate, Loretta Sanchez and Kamala Harris, held on Wednesday, October 5 from 7:00-8:00 pm. Read more about the event.
How can I ask the U.S. Senate candidates a question?
Submit your questions for the candidates online by Friday, September 30.

The 16-page Easy Voter Guide offers unbiased, easy-to-read ballot measure and election information for the November 8 Presidential Election for new and busy voters. All 17 statewide ballot measures are covered! Visit www.easyvoterguide.org today and download your copy. As always, visit Voter's Edge California to get your entire ballot and find more unbiased election info: www.Votersedge.org/ca

Vote with the League! Here is our list of recommendations on the ballot measures for the November 8, 2016 Presidential Election. Share our flyer with your friends and family.
VOTE YES on 51 - School Bonds: K-12 and Community College

Young people have the potential to be a powerful force in elections, but only if they get involved and make voting a habit.

Vote with the League this November! Sign up for our ballot measure recommendations to be sent directly to you.
You can also find daily shareable info on our Facebook page.

Please take a moment to sign up for National Voter Registration Day 2016 now: bit.ly/MyNVRD2016. If you sign up now, you'll be mailed a packet of posters, stickers, and a toolkit explaining how you can participate.
When: Tuesday, September 27th, 2016

The June 7, 2016 Presidential Primary Election is just days away and California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and LWVC President Helen Hutchison are urging voters to know their rights. The California Voter Bill of Rights can be found in the Voter Information Guide sent to every voting household.  It is also available online in 10 different languages.

Each political party has the option of allowing people who register to vote without stating a political party preference ("no party preference" voters, formerly "decline-to-state" voters) to vote in their presidential primary election. 
Are you a “no party preference” voter?
If you checked “I do not want to disclose a political party preference” on the voter registration form, you will not get a ballot containing the names of candidates running for president. Your ballot will contain all other races and ballot measures.

View our Pros & Cons on the ballot measures in English and Spanish. Download it now and share it with your friends.
View the html on Prop 50.

NEW: Updated Voting is as Easy as 1-2-3 for the June 2016 Presidential
Primary Election in English: http://bit.ly/VotingEasyas123

(Spanish
coming soon!)

Too often special interests and big money are the loudest voices in California. 

November 2015
The Make It Fair Coalition was formed to work for reform of Proposition 13 by changing the unfair way in which commercial property is taxed in California. The League of Women Voters of California joined the Make It Fair campaign because school districts and local governments in California desperately need more revenue to rebuild services and restore educational opportunities for the state’s children. 

The League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) is pleased to announce the release of their study materials about Public Higher Education in California.

By Justine Fischer and Helen L. Hutchison--
California voters passed Proposition 2 last November to establish a statewide “rainy day” fund.
Unfortunately, a one-size-fits-all law, SB 858, also passed last year as part of the state budget process. SB 858 prevents school districts from saving adequately to prepare for their own rainy day by setting a maximum average “reserve cap” of 6 percent on school districts reserves.

What is National Voter Registration Day?
On September 22, 2015, volunteers,
celebrities, and organizations from all over the country will “hit the
streets” for National Voter Registration Day. This single day of
coordinated field, technology and media efforts will create pervasive
awareness of voter registration opportunities–allowing us to reach tens
of thousands of voters who we could not reach otherwise.

We are excited to announce that Dora Rose has joined the LWVCEF staff as
Senior Director for Civic Engagement. Many of you know Dora as the
consultant who led our Voter’s Edge California
pilot partnership with MapLight in the last election cycle.  Prior to
moving to California, Dora worked as a civil rights litigator, policy
advocate, and voting rights activist. 

The League of Women Voters of California Education
Fund is honored to have received a multi-year grant from The James Irvine
Foundation. This funding will support our work to increase voter participation
in underrepresented communities and improve voter information in state and
county elections.
Sign up to receive info on this important work.

In November of 2014, Californians voted to pass Proposition 47 - a measure
that reclassified some nonviolent felony crimes to misdemeanors.  

Joint Oversight Hearing: Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments & Assembly Committee on Elections and RedistrictingSenator Ben Allen and Assembly Member Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, Chairs
Statewide Voter TurnoutWednesday, March 25, 2015State Capitol, Room 3191Sacramento, California 95814 
Testimony by Jennifer PaeLeague of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Introduction

Happy 95th birthday to the League of Women Voters! Celebrate by buying a gift membership for someone special in your life!
Read more about our campaign what it means to be a League member.
Meet our members and join us!

Subject: Comments to the California Water Commission on Chapter 8 of the 2014 Water Bond, Quantification of Public Benefits of Storage Projects
Dear Commission Members and Ms. Sims:

Be a force for change in California by
donating! Your tax-deductible gift to the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund will help us engage all Californians in civic life and get more voters to the polls in 2016.

Only 30% of eligible Californians voted in the November election. If this number alarms you, then join with the League of Women Voters of California to be a force for change. Let’s get more voters to the polls in 2016—our democracy depends on it!

Election Day is over, and it is once again safe to open the mail box, answer the phone, and leave the TV unmuted during commercials. Each election, the League of Women Voters of California helps voters like you cut through the endless clutter of biased and dishonest election information. We proudly remain the most trusted and unbiased source of voter information in California. But we couldn’t do it without your help.

Millions of Californians choose to cast vote-by-mail ballots, but not every ballot cast gets counted. Each statewide election, tens of thousands of mail ballots cast are rejected, leaving voters disenfranchised. 

SACRAMENTO - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today joined Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Think Long Committee for California chair Nicolas Berggruen and others to sign legislation - SB 1253 - to increase public participation in the initiative process and provide better information to voters on ballot measures.

In the spring, hundreds of people gathered for two California
Secretary of State Forums – one in Los Angeles
and the other in San
Diego. The events sparked a great
statewide Twitter conversation. Why? Because the Secretary of State race is being
called the race

Have
you heard the great news?
Dorah Caroline Mafabi, Managing Partner of the Center
for Social Economic Rights Protection in Uganda, has joined the LWVCEF team. She will be
supporting voter service and education programs for the November election as
part of a four-month fellowship of the Community Solutions
Program of the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with IREX.

SB 52, California DISCLOSE Act, Fails to Pass Out of the Legislature
The League has supported SB 52 (Leno), the California DISCLOSE Act that would have required the largest funders of political ads to be clearly and legibly identified on the ads themselves. It would have given voters useful, readily understood information about the sources of funding of television, radio, and print ads and robocalls.

Come hear the candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
discuss critical issues impacting preschool-through-12th-grade public instruction in California. This public event will be held on September 17, 2014 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the LA County Office of Education, LACOE Conference Center, Education Center West - 12830 Columbia Way, Downey, CA, 90242. Read and share the flyer.

 
Advocacy Groups Present Outline for Commonsense $6B Water Bond
 

Final Recommendations from California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning Presented to Chief Justice and Superintendent of Public Instruction
Implementation of civic learning recommendations sought in all K-12 schools.

By Helen Hutchison --
California’s school funding system – known formally as the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) – provides the opportunity for renewed civic engagement in our schools. LCFF stands to empower citizens to fully participate in a democratic process that’s occurring right in their backyard and to have a meaningful role in local decisions for the benefit of all students. It’s an exciting time to witness such a dynamic and new model of civic participation; however, greater transparency will determine the success of this new school funding approach.

The Honorable Darrell SteinbergSenate President pro Tem
The Honorable Toni AtkinsAssembly Speaker
California State LegislatureCapitol BuildingSacramento, CA 95814
Re: Water Bond
Dear Pro Tem Steinberg and Speaker Atkins:
We are writing today to share our concerns about water bond negotiations in progress.

The Chronic Absence and Attendance Partnership

ASSEMBLY FLOOR ALERT
AB 1866 (Bocanegra): Pupil Attendance – SUPPORT
The Legislature’s enactment of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and other recent efforts have rightly focused on student attendance, chronic absence, truancy, restorative practices, school climate and student engagement. All of these have been elevated by the Legislature knowing that children must be in school to succeed.

As legislators work to pass the 2014-15 state budget, the LWVC has joined Early Edge California and more than 40 other organizations in sending letters to Governor Jerry Brown, Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, urging them to make early learning a top priority.
California has a historic opportunity to provide every child, starting with those who need it most, with high-quality early education, setting them on a path to future success.

League Opposes BDCP EIR Certification
The League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) has asked that the EIR/EIS for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) not be certified. LWVC President Jennifer A. Waggoner stated, “It is unlikely that the preferred alternative will meet the coequal goals of providing a reliable water supply and protecting, restoring and enhancing the Delta ecosystem.”

Why Should I Vote in the June Election?
There
may still be some voters who consider a June Primary as something they can
“skip” and wait for the November election. It’s important for all voters to know that our choices in June will
determine what we see on our November ballot. Every election counts just as every vote counts!

Videos of the Pros & Cons for June Ballot Measures are Ready!
In partnership with The California Channel, The League of Women Voters of
California Education Fund has produced pro and con videos on each of the ballot
measures to help educate voters for the June 3 election.
These videos can be found on the LWVCEF YouTube Channel.

Judge Orders Restoration of Voting Rights for Tens of Thousands of Californians
--Lawsuit Filed by ACLU, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Charged Secretary of State Debra Bowen with Illegal Voter Disenfranchisement
OAKLAND, Calif. – An Alameda County Superior Court Judge today ruled that Secretary of State Debra Bowen illegally stripped tens of thousands of people of their voting rights two years ago, saying people on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) and mandatory supervision under California’s Criminal Justice Realignment Act are eligible to vote.

Through a settlement just announced, millions of Californians who have applied for health benefits through the state health exchange, Covered California, will be mailed a voter registration card, and the opportunity to register to vote will be integrated into future applications.

Death penalty supporters filed an initiative for the November 2014 election -- to radically alter death penalty procedures in California and make them more like those in Texas or Virginia.
SAFE California (a group we support) sprang into action as soon as we knew (back in December). We convened legal and policy experts to conduct a thorough analysis.
Why Do We Oppose This Initiative?
 

When the legislature reconvenes in January, our bills to shine a light on money in California elections will come up for a floor vote. Take action now by contacting your Assembly Members to vote YES on SB 2 and SB 27!

LWVC Guidance—EPA Listening Session
Climate change is now. Heat records are being broken, glaciers are melting, the seas are rising and we have a moral obligation to protect are children and future generations from the even greater impacts of climate change that will occur if we don’t do something today.

On October 24, 2013, the California Fair Political Practices Commission announced a settlement in the case of secret money donated to the campaign to defeat Proposition 30 and support Proposition 32 in the November 2012 election. The settlement includes a record $1 million fine, based on two donations, one for $4 million, and one for $11 million. Neither of these donations were properly reported according to California law.

NEW! The Guide to California Government (G2CG) is available on Amazon.

Coalition urges BLM to halt Calif. leases until studies are done
Published: Friday, October 4, 2013
A broad coalition of mostly environmental and public health advocates today asked the Bureau of Land Management to cancel all oil and natural gas lease sales on federal lands in the state until after it has finished a broad analysis of the environmental impacts of drilling and the use of hydraulic fracturing. 

“Everyone should be included in our democracy” says Yee

SB 4 (Pavley) was passed by the Legislature and sent to the Governor on September 11. This bill establishes a framework for regulating fracking and "acidization" of oil and gas wells that is likely the strongest in the country. The League has concerns about recent amendments to the bill. Read our statement and

Joining the League of Women Voters gives you opportunities to do hands-on work to safeguard democracy and make a tangible difference in your own community.

 
The chairs of a joint task force established by Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson have announced a schedule of public hearings and a timeline to produce recommendations on revamping civics curriculum in California schools.
 

Media Briefing Teleconference 6/12 at 10:30 am
 
New Report
Examines Whether California Citizens Redistricting Commission Was Transparent
and Democratic in Drawing District Lines
Findings will also show whether
Californians approve of the job of the commission and what must change
for future commissions to be successful
 

The League of Women Voters of California has a series of priorities: the Issues for Education and Advocacy set every two years at the LWVC convention, the legislative priorities set for each legislative session by the board, and the core issues of the League that include redistricting, elections, initiative and referendum process, voting rights, campaign finance reform and reproductive choices.

Regulation of fracking (hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas production) must ensure that public health, safety and the environment are protected by disclosure and oversight. Read our letter to DOGGR, the state Division of Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources, in response to their "discussion draft" of regulations.

Show Your Support of Marriage Equality
In just a few short weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider two cases about the freedom to marry: the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8. Events are happening all over the country to raise awareness and show support for equal rights. Download flyers and other materials in the Organizing Toolkit. Attend a training. Find a way to show support of marriage equality in your community: http://www.lighttojustice.org/

 
Bill by Senators Lieu and Yee Seeks to Shine Light into Campaign Financing
Increased campaign finance transparency sought
 
Sacramento, February 27, 2013 —  Senators Ted W. Lieu of Torrance and Leland Yee of San Francisco/San Mateo today announced language to Senate Bill 2 – part of their two-bill package to strengthen the California Political Reform Act.
 

On February 21, the League sent the below letter to the U.S. Senate in favor of common sense solutions to the gun violence plaguing our nation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              Contact: Elizabeth Leslie
February 14, 2013                                                                                                916-842-7737
www.lwvc.org                              ... eleslie [at] lwvc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    
Coalition of Leading Conservation, Environmental Justice, and Labor Groups Launched to Protect the California Environmental Quality Act
Poll shows nearly 2/3 of California voters oppose weakening CEQA

On the November 2012 statewide ballot, there were 10 initiatives and 1 referendum for California voters to decide on. In May 2011, the League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) adopted a study to update of their position on the initiative and referendum (I&R) process. 

Our Letter to the Editor:
The League of Women Voters of California, a long-time advocate of citizen involvement in the political process, is concerned about recent assaults on the California Environmental Quality Act.
CEQA is one of the few state laws ensuring that the public can weigh in on major land use decisions. It helps assure that both decision-makers and the public have adequate information to make informed decisions and that significant environmental impacts are avoided.

We have an amazing community of members, volunteers and donors. In this video, we asked Carole, Robbie and Susan to share what inspires them to donate to the League.
Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONVQN6hVkww.
DONATE: http://www.lwvcdonations.org/program-detail?id=1591.
 
 

As you reflect on our recent successes and the challenges still in front of us, you must ask: What lies ahead for California and our democracy?
In 2013, the League of Women Voters of  California Education Fund will rely on
our grassroots force for good as we implement ambitious new plans.
These plans embody our legacy while positioning us to lead the charge
for a better California.

 
Sacramento, CA – California Common Cause, the League of Women Voters of California, and the Fair Political Practices Commission will work together to develop and introduce legislation in the upcoming session to improve California’s campaign finance disclosure laws. This partnership is committed to giving Californians as much information as possible about who is funding campaign ads and messages so voters can make informed decisions.

In partnership with the California Channel, The League of Women Voters of California Education Fund has produced pro and con videos on each of the ballot measures to help educate voters. These videos can be found on the LWVCEF YouTube Channel.

Do you know your rights on Election Day?
Use this handy Know Your Rights Card from the ACLU to be prepared on Election Day.
November 6 is near, make sure you know your rights on Election Day and share it with a friend.

Should your state or community have an
independent redistricting commission? We held a webinar on July 11, 2012 to
talk about the overwhelming success of California's
2011 redistricting process.
Connie
Galambos Malloy and Stanley Forbes, two members of California’snew Citizens Redistricting Commission, joined League members who
worked to establish this revolutionary reform to discuss how the independent,
transparent and fair redistricting process worked in California.

SmartVoter.org: Last Minute Voting Help!
 Don't let anything stop you from voting -- our democracy needs YOU! Not sure if your polling place moved? Can't decide which candidate you should pick for city council, school board or judge? Need to listen to a recorded debate to decide?  Never heard about a local bond measure?

For Immediate Release                            Contact: Chris Carson, 818-840-0417
July 29, 2011                                               Helen Hutchison, 510-332-6252
 
 
League of Women Voters Celebrates Momentous Step in Redistricting Reform for California

May 3, 2011
Citizens Redistricting Commission1130 K Street, Suite 101Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Commission Goal: Honoring the Spirit of the Voters FIRST Act
 Members of the Citizens Redistricting Commission:

Choose your top three topics for a communications workshop in Ventura at convention in May of 2011: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F9NL8YP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE              
CONTACT:  Elizabeth Leslie, eleslie [at] lwvc.org, 916-442-7215October 21, 2010                                                                                                                                                                                  
“WHY VOTE?” VIDEO CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED!!!
November 2, 2010 General Election

WHY VOTE? VIDEO CONTESTNovember 2, 2010 General Election
Sacramento – Win up to $500! Have your work shown on statewide television.

Secretary of State Debra Bowen has assigned numbers to the ten propositions that have been certified to appear on the November 2, 2010 Statewide General Election ballot. The Secretary of State's office is currently inviting interested individuals and groups to submit arguments for and against these ten measures. The arguments will be included in the Official Voter Information Guide (also known as the ballot pamphlet) that is mailed to every voting household in California.

Video: get out the vote!
http://www.dogooder.tv/Orgs/LWVla/default.aspx?MovieID=3701
Our new public service announcement encourages people to vote and use SmartVoter.org to look up their polling place and find all the information they need to vote.