With the November 4, 2025 special election approaching, California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined nonprofit organizations in a virtual press conference to promote early voting and remind residents of their voting rights. The event addressed local voting concerns and provided updates on available resources for voters across the state.
Vote centers opened for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties on October 25. Eligible Californians can still register to vote in person through Same Day Voter Registration. Those who have not received, lost, or damaged their vote-by-mail ballots can request replacements from their county elections offices by phone, email, fax, or other electronic means.
The Attorney General’s office enforces California’s election laws to maintain free and fair elections. In preparation for Election Day, the California Department of Justice will be ready to assist the Secretary of State’s Office with legal support as needed.
Attorney General Rob Bonta stated: “Our election laws provide the backbone for a free and fair election, and as California’s top law enforcement officer, I will do everything in my power to protect your right to vote. At the same time, I want to thank the many nonprofit organizations that are working tirelessly to ensure that Californians can make their voices heard at the ballot box, no matter how those Californians plan to vote.” He added: “Democracy is not self-executing. It functions best when we know our rights, stay engaged, and take civic engagement seriously. I continue to encourage early voting — all California active registered voters have been mailed a vote-by-mail ballot and can return those ballots by mail, drop box, or vote center. Sending it ahead ensures your vote is counted and avoids last-minute complications, especially because, in many parts of California, recent changes in the U.S. Postal mail service mean that your ballot may not be counted if you drop it off at a post office or a USPS mailbox on Election Day. Vote centers have also opened for early in-person voting in 29 counties.”
Julián Castro of the Latino Community Foundation commented: “In the final days of this special election, the Latino Community Foundation is proud to stand with local leaders and Attorney General Rob Bonta to promote early voting and to remind Californians of their voter rights. Our democracy is strongest when everyone participates, including the millions of Latinos who continue to shape California’s future. Together, we can set the standard for what democracy should look like across this nation.”
Shilpi Agarwal from ACLU Northern California said: “Voting is one of our most powerful tools for creating change. Thanks to its voters, its leaders, and the work of many organizations, California has become a national leader in making voting more accessible, more convenient, and more inclusive for everyone. But rights cannot stand on their own — we must defend and exercise them. And we can do just that by voting — and voting early — in upcoming special election.”
Nancy Yap from CAUSE highlighted community involvement: “CAUSE’s ‘Together We Vote’ programming shows that civic participation can be creative, fun, and community-driven,” she said. “Together takes many forms — whether you join us at a community event, drop your ballot in an official drop box, or vote early at a local vote center; every act of voting connects us and strengthens our collective voice.”
Ruth López from Valley Voices added: “Valley Voices is committed to ensuring that every resident in the Central Valley has the opportunity to make their voice heard. Our organization is actively registering new voters and providing nonpartisan education about the voting process ahead of the upcoming election,” she said.
Due to recent changes implemented by the U.S Postal Service, mail dropped off on Election Day outside major coastal cities might not be collected until after Election Day if deposited more than 50 miles from a regional hub; these late ballots would not be counted under current rules.
Voters are encouraged instead to use secure ballot drop-off boxes (available since October 7), deliver ballots directly at vote centers (especially if close to Election Day), or ask postal clerks for an immediate postmark if using post offices.
California residents are reminded about key provisions within the California Voter Bill of Rights. These include rights such as casting provisional ballots if names are missing from registration lists; assistance while marking ballots; access regardless of language needs; secrecy protections; dropping completed mail-in ballots at any polling location statewide; asking questions about procedures; reporting fraud or illegal activity; receiving replacement ballots before casting votes if mistakes occur; among others.
Voters with disabilities are protected under both federal statutes—such as the Voting Rights Act—and state requirements mandating accessible polling locations (California Government Code section 11135). Complaints regarding disability-based discrimination during registration or balloting may be filed with relevant civil rights agencies.
Law enforcement officials have been briefed via bulletins outlining penalties against tampering with equipment or obstructing polling places—including prohibitions against firearms near polling sites—and restrictions on uniforms resembling security personnel unless officially authorized during elections.
The Department also issued an updated consumer alert warning about misinformation online regarding eligibility or procedures related to elections—intentionally misleading statements could result in criminal charges under state law.
