California Voter Foundation

Sacramento, CA -- A new report finds on average 1.7 percent of vote-by-mail ballots cast in California have been rejected over the past decade. In three counties studied, young and newly registered voters were more likely than older voters to have their ballots rejected. 

“Improving California’s Vote-by-Mail Process by Reducing Ballot Rejection: A Three-County Study,” published by the California Voter Foundation, examines the demographics and voting methods of Sacramento, San Mateo and Santa Clara County voters whose November 2018 General Election vote-by-mail (VBM) ballots were rejected, online at: www.calvoter.org/rejectedballots.

The California Voter Foundation is pleased to announce a gift of $25,000 received from Craig Newmark Philanthropies to support nonpartisan voter education and outreach activities to help Californians participate in the 2020 Presidential Election.

This generous donation comes at an important time when the coronavirus pandemic is creating difficult challenges for voters and election officials alike. CVF is committed to helping voters successfully cast vote-by-mail ballots and utilize in-person voting options to maximize voter turnout and ensure Californians can safely and securely cast ballots. 

“CVF is deeply grateful for the generous support provided by Craig Newmark through his charitable giving and honored to be included among the numerous worthy causes supported by Craig Newmark Philanthropies working to advance fairness, opportunity and respect,” said CVF President & Founder Kim Alexander. 

Hi Folks,

It's been an intense time throughout our state and in Sacramento especially. In the midst of everything that's happening, California's elections community continues working to carefully plan for November's Presidential Election. The challenges are enormous. 

Today's CalMatters features a commentary I co-authored with Kammi Foote, Inyo County's Registrar of Voters urging California's leaders to act quickly to help counties and voters plan for the Fall. 

If there’s one thing we have learned during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s the critical role government plays in times of crisis.

And who does the government answer to? Voters.

Now more than ever we must ensure voters can securely vote with confidence.

At the California Voter Foundation, we have been working for over 25 years to improve the voting process.

Now we are asking you to support CVF with your donation.

Our work to improve vote-by-mail balloting and ensure voting systems are secure is timely and crucial, given the likely increase in mail ballot use due to the pandemic as well as ongoing threats of interference in our voting process.