News Updates from California Secretary of State Debra Bowen

High-Speed Rail Initiative Enters Circulation

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:33:20 -0700

SACRAMENTO – Secretary of State Debra Bowen today announced that the proponents of a new initiative may begin collecting petition signatures for their measure.

Secretary Bowen Launches Survey to Assess Needs of Voters with Disabilities

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:32:05 -0700

SACRAMENTO – As Californians prepare to vote in the June 5 Presidential Primary Election, California Secretary of State Debra Bowen launched the state’s first online survey to help elections officials assess and address the needs of voters with disabilities.

Sixth Measure Qualifies for November California Ballot

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:46:32 -0700

SACRAMENTO – California Secretary of State Debra Bowen today certified a sixth measure for the November 6, 2012, General Election ballot. The measure increases criminal penalties for human trafficking, and joins five other measures already on the November ballot:

Public Employee Pension Initiative Enters Circulation

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:35:35 -0700

SACRAMENTO – Secretary of State Debra Bowen today announced that the proponent of a new initiative may begin collecting petition signatures for his measure.

June Primary Voting Begins Monday

Thu, 03 May 2012 14:50:23 -0700

SACRAMENTO – While Election Day isn’t until June 5, millions of Californians who opt for the convenience of voting by mail can begin casting their ballots as early as Monday.

California's Top-Two Primary: What Voters Should Know

Wed, 02 May 2012 13:14:54 -0700

SACRAMENTO – As the June 5 primary election nears, California Secretary of State Debra Bowen today reiterated the balloting differences and similarities under the Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act. While the top-two primary law took effect in 2011, the June 2012 primary will be the first statewide election conducted under the new rules that changed how state constitutional, state legislative and U.S. congressional primaries are conducted in California. (The top-two primary law does not affect elections for U.S. President, county central committees or local offices.)

Fifth Measure Qualifies for November California Ballot

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:49:24 -0700

SACRAMENTO – California Secretary of State Debra Bowen today certified a fifth measure for the November 6, 2012, General Election ballot. The measure would repeal the death penalty, and joins four other measures already on the November ballot:

New Voter Registration Stats Show Continued Uptick in Voters with No Party Preference

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:45:48 -0700

SACRAMENTO – Secretary of State Debra Bowen today published the latest statewide voter registration report, which shows a higher percentage of eligible Californians are registered to vote since this time four years ago while fewer than ever are indicating a political party preference.

First June Primary Ballots on Way to Voters Friday

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:10:19 -0700

SACRAMENTO – As early as Friday, county elections officials will begin mailing ballots to California voters serving in the armed forces or living abroad. Secretary of State Debra Bowen today highlighted state and federal resources that can make participating in elections easier than ever for Californians.

Secretary of State Bowen Certifies Candidate List for June State Primary

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:18:01 -0700

SACRAMENTO – Secretary of State Debra Bowen today published the certified list of candidates who will appear on June 5, 2012, primary election ballots. The official list, with ballot designations and contact information for each candidate, is available at www.sos.ca.gov/elections/2012-elections/june-primary/pdf/june-2012-candidates-list.pdf.