CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : SACRAMENTO : Eu Wants to Speed Voter Registration

Pointing out that California ranks 37th of the 50 states in voter participation, Secretary of State March Fong Eu called for legislation to make it easier for citizens to register to vote. Eu told a state Senate committee studying ways to encourage more people to vote that low voter turnout is a “national shame.” She noted in the November general election, only 53% voted, the lowest since 1924. Eu called for measures to increase voter participation--particularly among young people, new citizens and people on the move--including such steps as allowing people to register while changing the address on their driver’s license.