California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. held a press conference in San Francisco to remind voters about their rights ahead of the November 4, 2025 Special Election. The officials emphasized the importance of voting early and outlined measures to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Attorney General Bonta urged voters not to wait until Election Day to mail their ballots due to recent changes in U.S. Postal Service operations. He stated, “This year, it is critical that Californians vote as early as possible. 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. If you choose to drop off your ballot at a post office on Election Day, ask at the counter for a postmark to ensure you get credit for mailing your ballot on time. And remember: You have other options, like dropping your ballot off at a vote center or in a secure drop box.” He added that his office would support election law enforcement across California during this period.
Secretary Weber encouraged Californians to use one of several options for returning completed ballots and reminded them they could track their ballots online or contact county elections offices for more information through sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices or WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov. She said, “Your vote is your voice, and California protects its citizens’ rights to use their voice through their vote,” adding that every voter has the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation and should report any interference.
Voters were reminded that official resources are available at sos.ca.gov/elections for up-to-date information about voting procedures. The deadline for standard voter registration was set at 11:59 PM PT today, but same-day registration remains available in person after this cutoff.
Changes in postal service collection times mean ballots mailed from locations more than 50 miles from regional processing hubs might not receive same-day postmarks if dropped off on Election Day; instead, they may be collected and postmarked late, resulting in those ballots being disqualified.
Alternative methods suggested include using official drop boxes—which have been open since October 7—or submitting completed ballots directly at vote centers on Election Day.
The officials also highlighted key points from the California Voter Bill of Rights such as casting provisional ballots if names are missing from registration lists and receiving assistance when voting (except from employers or union representatives). Materials are available in multiple languages.
The Department of Justice released updated alerts regarding misinformation’s impact on elections; intentionally misleading voters about eligibility or polling locations remains illegal under state law.
For voters with disabilities, federal laws require accessible polling places and allow individuals with disabilities to receive assistance from someone they choose (excluding employers or union representatives). Complaints regarding discrimination can be filed with the California Civil Rights Department.
Law enforcement agencies received reminders about prohibitions against voter intimidation tactics—including bans on firearms near polling places and restrictions on uniformed personnel’s presence—to maintain safe access for all voters.
Election officials will deploy poll observers statewide during both early voting periods and Election Day itself.
