Voting is essential to our democracy. Did you know that people in county jails are eligible to vote but are often unable to exercise this fundamental right? Enter AB 544 (Bryan), a groundbreaking initiative co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of California, the Ella Baker Center, Initiate Justice and Pillars of the Community. AB 544 would launch a pilot program, placing a polling location in jails in San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties, allowing any eligible incarcerated person to register and cast their votes at those jails.

For more information read 'Thousands in California's jails have the right to vote - but here's why many won't' and 'In California, all eligible voters, including those incarcerated, should be able to vote'.

Ask Governor Newsom to SIGN AB 544 now

As we work to confront systemic inequality, we urgently need the voices of those most directly impacted by the criminal justice system to be represented at the voting booth. Unfortunately, Californians in jails often face barriers to realizing their voting rights. AB 544 (Bryan) moves to address this issue by creating a path for those in jail to actively participate in our democratic process. Act now – ask Governor Newsom to SIGN AB 544 and be a part of strengthening our representative democracy!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Doute, CAE
Executive Director, LWVC

P.S. Read more about AB 544 by taking a look at the LWVC's co-sponsor letter here.