In the days since California’s primary election, the President has posted on social media without evidence or fact and without shame that our elections are being stolen. His hand-picked federal prosecutor has followed with announcements of “multiple” investigations into our voting process.
We want to make clear that this is not an investigation – it’s an attack on California by the same man who led a mob to storm the Capitol on Jan 6, 2021, because he lost an election.
What people may not know is that California is a pro-voter state. Our election and voting laws and systems are working as they are intended.
We built one of the strongest, most accessible voting systems in the world. And we are proud of it. Universal vote-by-mail means that 23 million registered voters receive a ballot at their door. You don’t have to take time off work, find a ride, or navigate a crowded polling place. You can fill out your ballot at your kitchen table, drop it in the mail or a secured drop box near you, and it is counted.
Robust early voting means people who work multiple jobs, care for children or elders, or face unexpected obstacles can still participate. Strong voter protections mean that signatures are verified, voter records are updated, ballot drop boxes are secured, and security is layered throughout the counting process.
California’s pro-voter protections were fought for and won by generations of Californians who understood that the vote is the most direct way we have to make decisions about our lives. The vote count takes time because every vote is counted.
But Trump’s attacks aren’t about voter security. They are about voter restriction – restricting eligible voters from voting so he can maintain power.
We are under attack because they are afraid.California has some of the most closely contested congressional districts that could determine who controls Congress. A small group of billionaires and extremist politicians is doing everything they can to control the outcomes of the elections because they are afraid that if they don’t, they will lose.
Our vote is how we make decisions about our lives.Every vote cast is a decision about housing costs, healthcare, wages, who represents us in Congress, and what kind of future we can build for our children. In California, we want people to vote because when we ALL participate, we make our families, our communities, and our democracy stronger. Power is not concentrated in a small, wealthy minority.
The result is one of the most diverse electorates in the world, and that is what Trump is afraid of and has always despised about California. He wants to turn us against each other and believes his lies that our neighbors are cheating when, in reality, he is losing.
But they can’t stop California. In the coming months, we will face more attacks. We must be ready to protect our votes.
This past month, hundreds of Californians volunteered to be Neighborhood Voter Protectors. They showed up at their local polling places to observe and document any efforts to intimidate, made sure voters knew their rights, and helped make the voting process fun, safe, and easy as it should be for all voters.
Because that’s who we are as Californians. We look out for each other. We know our votes are the most powerful way to make decisions impacting our families’ health and future. We are not going to let anyone – including the President of the United States – take that from us.
We Are California
Can’t Stop CA Campaign
