California Secretary of State Faces Backlash Over Early Voting Push
Secretary of State Shirley Weber is under fire for urging voters to return ballots immediately, which critics say discourages careful review of complex propositions.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber is facing criticism over language in the state's Official Voter Information Guide that encourages registered voters to return their ballots immediately upon receipt. The guide uses the slogan "Don't Delay, Vote Today!" to prompt voters to mail their ballots as soon as they arrive.
Political strategists and the president of the California Voter Foundation argue that this urgency discourages voters from carefully considering the 14 complex propositions appearing on the November 3 ballot. Opponents suggest the push for early voting is a strategic attempt to mitigate recurring criticism regarding the slow speed of vote counting in California.
The Secretary of State's office defended the guidance, stating that early returns prevent ballots from being rejected due to Postal Service delays and allow more time for the counting process. In a related effort to address counting speeds, the Government of Fresno County appropriated $29 million to accelerate the process.
