Touting High Turnout, Vote-by-Mail Advocates Seek Permanent Change to California Elections

[TexasTowelie]

With fights brewing in state legislatures across the country over proposed restrictions on voting, California lawmakers are moving in the opposite direction — advancing an expansion of mail-in voting that would transform future elections in the state.

In 2020, California enacted a universal vote-by-mail system, with supporters arguing that the policy was crucial to prevent voters from crowding and spreading COVID-19 at the polls.

But with the pandemic waning in the state, advocates are pointing to the historic turnout and smooth administration of last year's election in California, in a bid to make those voting changes permanent.

"If your goal is to increase turnout, mailing a ballot to every voter probably accomplishes most of the turnout benefits," said Eric McGhee, senior fellow with the Public Policy Institute of California, which released a study this week detailing the turnout effects of mail-in voting.

Read more: https://www.kqed.org/news/11869522/touting-voter-turnout-vote-by-mail-advocates-seek-permanent-change-to-california-elections

[CrispyQ]

1. It is undemocratic that it is easier to vote in Colorado than in almost every other state.

We absolutely need some standardization across the land.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Sounds good to me!

My husband and I had never voted by mail before, and we were very happy with our experience.

I'd love to see this implemented state-wide.

[bahboo]

3. voting by mail is so damn easy...

and it also gives you the time to research candidates and the all important Propositions, here in California...