Voting Alert: Automatically Registered Voters May Declare Their Political Party Affiliation at the Primary Election

Background

Following the passage of Assembly Bill 1532 in 2022, California began automatically registering eligible voters when they interact with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Previously, voters had to complete a separate voter registration form to be added to the rolls.

AB 1532 also allows automatically registered voters to decline to state their political party preference. This option is available on the voter registration form that is provided at the DMV, as well as on the online voter registration website.

New Option for Automatically Registered Voters

In the upcoming primary election on March 7, 2023, automatically registered voters who did not state a political party preference when they registered will be given the opportunity to do so at the polls.

Voters can declare their party affiliation by completing a simple form at their polling place. The form will ask for the voter's name, address, and date of birth, as well as their preferred political party.

Benefits of Declaring a Political Party Affiliation

There are several benefits to declaring a political party affiliation. First, it allows voters to participate in the primary election for their party's candidates.

Second, it helps political parties to identify and mobilize their supporters. This can be especially important in close elections, where every vote can make a difference.

Third, it can help voters to stay informed about the issues that are important to their party. Many political parties offer newsletters, websites, and other resources that provide information about current events and upcoming elections.

How to Declare Your Political Party Affiliation

If you are an automatically registered voter who has not yet declared a political party affiliation, you can do so at the polls on March 7, 2023.

To declare your party affiliation, simply complete the form that will be provided at your polling place. The form will ask for your name, address, and date of birth, as well as your preferred political party.

You can also declare your party affiliation online at the California Secretary of State's website. To do so, you will need to provide your name, address, and date of birth, as well as your preferred political party.

Conclusion

The upcoming primary election on March 7, 2023, is an important opportunity for automatically registered voters to declare their political party affiliation. Declaring a party affiliation allows voters to participate in the primary election for their party's candidates, helps political parties to identify and mobilize their supporters, and can help voters to stay informed about the issues that are important to their party.

If you are an automatically registered voter who has not yet declared a political party affiliation, you can do so at the polls on March 7, 2023, or online at the California Secretary of State's website.