Voting by mail is not political. It’s secure and safe
Having been on the ballot myself, I can assure you that voting is one of the most powerful ways of ensuring our voices are heard. And while many of us feel helpless amid a global pandemic — as wildfires ravage our state, families lose loved ones, and small businesses close their doors — voting is one of the most important ways we can ensure that our government reflects our values.
Casting our votes for candidates and initiatives that we believe will keep our families safe, businesses afloat, and provide better futures for our children and communities feels more like a matter of survival and less about politics. Which is why I’ve been surprised and disappointed to see attacks on the processes that allow us to safely and meaningfully participate in our democracy — like voting by mail.
Despite the fact that we are living through a public health crisis and a time of economic uncertainty, it is critical that we find ways to ensure our democracy moves forward.
One way to do this is to vote safely from the comfort of your home. In California, that has never been easier. Elections officials in the Golden State have been working around the clock to ensure that we can cast our vote from home while keeping our families, poll workers and communities as safe as possible. This election, every active, registered voter will receive a vote-by-mail ballot with a unique bar code. Don’t allow misinformation about the process discourage you from voting by mail. There is simply no evidence of widespread fraud in either inperson voting or mail voting.
It’s frustrating to see voting by mail become politicized. Californians have been voting by mail for decades, so we know that the headlines that call into question the security of the process couldn’t be further from the truth. As always, your ballot will be secure. This year we are all making sacrifices as we change our routines and transform our homes into offices, theaters and restaurants. Why stop there? We can make our living rooms our polling locations and everyone should know with confidence that their vote will be counted.
Let’s not overthink this. Voting by mail is simple, secure and safe.
It’s understandable that some of us may need to vote in person, and if that is the case for you then consider voting early so we can prevent crowds and long lines on Election Day. You can skip the line by turning in your completed vote-by-mail ballot in person or vote early at an early voting location. Don’t forget to wear your mask. Polling locations around the state will be following public health best practices to keep voters and poll workers safe, including physical distancing along with additional sanitation and cleaning procedures.
We know that voting is our most basic civic responsibility. We owe it to ourselves and each other to have our voices heard this election. Why not simply reach over, fill out the ballot in blue or black ink, sign the envelope, walk it to the mailbox and lift the flag? Starting now, let’s agree to take all the background noise out of casting our votes the safe, simple, smart and secure way this election.