California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber emphasizes the importance of voting and outlines key information for voters ahead of the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election.
As the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election approaches, California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber has provided essential information for voters during a virtual media briefing held on October 21. This event, organized in collaboration with American Community Media, aimed to ensure that diverse communities receive accurate and trustworthy information about the voting process.
Dr. Weber highlighted the significance of voting, stating, “Understand just how precious this experience is of voting in the communities that you represent.” She stressed the importance of making the voting process accessible and transparent for California’s diverse population.
According to Dr. Weber, over 2.52 million ballots have already been counted, underscoring the impact of voter participation in special elections on state policies and budgets. She encouraged early voting and addressed various concerns, including ballot security, provisional voting, and the availability of ballots in multiple languages. She reassured attendees about the integrity of the voting process and the office’s readiness for any potential legal challenges.
Dr. Weber shared her personal connection to voting, noting that her family has been in the United States for over 200 years, yet she is a second-generation voter. She recounted the challenges her parents faced in registering to vote, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the value of this civic duty.
California offers several voting options to facilitate the process, as outlined by Dr. Weber. The Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) provides various methods for casting ballots, including vote-by-mail, secure drop boxes, same-day registration, and in-person voting at polling places. “We offer these multiple ways that people can vote that’s accessible to you,” she said.
Voters in California have 11 days to cast their ballots, a significant advantage compared to states that only provide a single polling day. Dr. Weber encouraged those who prefer in-person voting to utilize polling places and to avoid waiting until the last minute. “Keep in mind, you can walk into those polling places any of those 11 days in a polling site, and you can actually vote in person,” she stated.
To ensure their votes are counted, she advised voters to submit their mail-in ballots early, especially in areas with limited postal services. “If you vote on that day, it may not be counted in certain counties in certain areas,” she warned, urging voters to take proactive steps.
Dr. Weber also emphasized the importance of properly using the postal service for mail-in ballots. Voters should ensure their ballots are stamped and counted inside the post office on election day. “Make sure you go inside the post office and have your ballot stamped,” she advised, cautioning against simply dropping ballots into a mailbox.
For those with questions or concerns about the voting process, Dr. Weber encouraged them to call the hotline at 1-800-345-VOTE, which is available at all times for assistance.
She clarified that while October 20 was the last day to register to vote, same-day registration is available. “California’s laws allow us to vote on the same day for the same-day registration,” Dr. Weber explained. Voters can register or update their registration before the deadline at RegisterToVote.ca.gov and confirm their voter status at VoterStatus.sos.ca.gov.
Individuals opting for same-day registration will receive provisional voter status and a provisional ballot, which will be counted once verified. All registered voters will receive a ballot in the mail and have the option to vote privately and drop off their ballots at designated ballot boxes throughout the city. Dr. Weber assured voters about the security of these ballot boxes, describing them as “thick” and “steel,” emphasizing that they cannot be tampered with without proper access.
Dr. Weber also reminded voters of their rights under the California Voting Rights Act of 1965, including the right to receive a new ballot if they make a mistake and assistance in casting their new ballot. Voters can drop their ballots at any polling place in California due to a statewide database of voter identification.
She cautioned against ballot collection by employers or union representatives, as well as any intimidation or influence from workplaces. Voters have the right to ask questions about election procedures and to observe the election process, although they cannot interfere with the counting of ballots.
Security measures are in place to protect the integrity of every ballot and ensure a transparent voting process. Dr. Weber addressed misinformation regarding ballot envelopes with holes, clarifying that these features are designed to assist visually impaired voters, not to compromise voter privacy.
Voters are encouraged to check the status of their ballots online and track them via the state website. “If you ask yourself, where’s my ballot? You can always go on our website,” Dr. Weber stated, noting that voters can receive updates shortly after submitting their ballots.
Election materials are available in multiple languages, with Dr. Weber highlighting that ballots are printed in nine languages in addition to English. She acknowledged the ongoing efforts to expand language support, emphasizing the importance of accurately translated ballots for local elections.
Dr. Weber reassured voters that law enforcement and federal agents present at polling places are informed of California’s election laws, and the Attorney General will work to enforce these laws. “We want folks to feel secure in voting, making sure that they’re protected, that they have access to their ballot,” she concluded.
Source: Original article