In 2014, California had historically low voter turnout — only 42% of registered voters participated in the general election, 25% in the primary. Different reasons are cited for not voting after elections, but one of the most consistent reasons: work or school conflicts.
According to Pew Research Center, work and school conflicts were the *most* common reason that eligible voters did not vote in 2014. In fact, 35 percent of respondents answered that scheduling conflicts with work or school prevented them from getting to the polls.
Nationwide, turnout in 2014 was under 37%. Overall turnout rarely breaks 60%. The US ranks 120 out of 169 countries for average voter turnout. Many nations that outperform us have one simple thing in common: they have the day off on #ElectionDay
While the causes of lower voter turnout are many & the proposed solutions are varied, we believe that Californians should be doing everything within our power to make it easier for people to vote. This means removing any and all barriers to the polls. #ProtectOurVotes
An #ElectionDayHoliday would help expand access & draw attention to midterms. It would commit CA to civic engagement by making clear: not only is voting a right & a responsibility, we take it seriously enough to set aside our work obligations to ensure we can all carry it out.
🛑Precinct 590 in El Cerrito, CA is OUT of PAPER BALLOTS.🛑 A line has formed to vote on the touchscreen device (a Ballot Marking Device which saves a BARCODE, not the list of voters' choices, then runs that thru the opscan). Officials were notified of the shortage hours ago.
7:30 pm — mass confusion and a very long line inside the precinct now
Sign still posted at entrance
“PLEASE USE OUR MARKING MACHINE
We are short of pre printed ballots”
(Posted earlier, when they actually had some)