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Will L.A. Support Same Day Voter Registration?
Photo by trazomfreak via Flickr
Photo by trazomfreak via Flickr
The Los Angeles City Council is expected to consider a resolution supporting same day voter registration on Wednesday. If passed, the weight of city hall will go behind Senator Leland Yee’s SB 1140 and Assemblymember Anthony Portantino’s AB 1531, both which would allow California voters to register the same day they vote.
Current voting law requires a citizen to register at least 15 days prior to election and must be done as an affidavit of registration, with a verified formal statement of identification.
L.A. officials recognize California's rank as one of the lowest in voter registration and how a transient population of a big city can also reduce it. In hopes of increasing participation, City Councilmembers Jose Huizar and Eric Garetti have co-authored a resolution to support the two bills.
Sponsor
Assemblymember Portantino introduced his bill first to the Assembly but tagged teamed with Senator Yee’s to introduce an identical bill in the Senate. Portantino Spokesperson Wendy Gordon said they did so to create flexibility: if one bill dies, the other still has a chance push through.
Both bills are currently in appropriations in the opposite house. Portantino’s bill has passed through the Assembly and is now in appropriations in the Senate, while Yee’s bill passed through the Senate and is now in the Assembly.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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