Support Secure Elections

I support Secretary of State Debra Bowen's conclusions in her top-to-bottom review of election security. The elections improvements she plans for California, if followed, will increase voter participation and confidence throughout the state by ensuring the sanctity of each vote cast in California elections.

As the chief elections officer for California, Secretary Bowen has the constitutional authority and responsibility to test and certify the state's voting systems. I commend her determination to ensure that all voting machines used in California are accurate, secure, and accessible, and that every ballot is counted exactly as it is cast. I applaud the Secretary's long-standing commitment to open government reform and transparency.

I join the California Election Protection Network (CEPN), Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), Voting Rights Task Force (VRTF), the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and Courage Campaign in calling on each of the 58 county Elections Officials and Boards of Supervisors to actively support and implement the changes that are needed as specified in the top-to-bottom review. No more Ohios or Floridas. Californians have a right to know that their votes will be accurately counted.