SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Senator Melissa Hurtado’s (D-Sanger) legislation, SB 207, which would simplify the process for voters updating specified personal information or party preference in the two weeks prior to and including Election Day, passed through the Senate Floor. The bill, coauthored by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), received bipartisan support with a 28-9 vote – moving the bill to the Governor’s desk.

“The 2016 presidential primary highlighted various issues faced by election officials and voters in navigating California’s electoral process,” stated Senator Hurtado. “SB 207 will address those issues by providing access to a simplified form that will reduce wait times at the polls for all voters by streamlining the polling place process for last minute changes to address party preference.”

“We need to ensure California’s non-partisan and independent voters are able to cast a ballot for the presidential candidate they prefer. Voting ought to be easy, and SB 207 will streamline the process to allow these independent voters less hassle than normal when voting for their preferred candidate,” stated Assemblymember Gonzalez.

“As elections officials are preparing for record turnout for the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election, they need every tool at their disposal to create an efficient, positive voting experiences for Californians,” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. “Making it easier for voters to change their political party is especially important during a presidential primary. Streamlining political party preference changes is a boost to both voters and elections administrators. SB 207 will help California elections—cutting down on potential wait times at polls and helping voters get their preferred primary ballot.”

“SB 207 is great for voters, great for all voters, regardless of their party affiliation,” said Joe, Holland, California Association of Clerks and Election Officials (CACEO) President. “It improves the voting experience at primary elections. SB 207 simplifies and speeds up the process for voters updating certain personal information. CACEO thanks Senator Hurtado and Assemblymember Gonzalez for their leadership on this issue and Secretary of State Padilla for his continued efforts and commitment to California’s election process.”

SB 207 is the first legislation of 2020 to head towards the Governor’s desk.

About Senator Melissa Hurtado

Senator Melissa Hurtado is an advocate for expanding access to health care and clean water, growing educational opportunities and creating more quality jobs. She represents the 14th Senate District in California, which includes cities in Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties. Senator Hurtado was born in Fresno, California and was raised in the City of Sanger, where she still resides with her family.

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