Letter to Governor Brown and Legislature on Voter Participation in New Motor Voter Program

Report #244, October 2018
Letter to Governor Brown and Legislature on Voter Participation in New Motor Voter Program

Full Report

Executive Summary

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2018

For Additional Information Contact:
Jeanne R. Wolfe, Executive Director (A)
(916) 445-2125

Losing 1.4 Million Eligible Voters (so far) a Bad Prescription for Healthy Democracy: Do the Secretary of State and DMV Have the Right Medicine?

Serious implementation errors have put the New Motor Voter Program in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, despite adding thousands of Californians to the voter rolls. Government failures with the program may serve to shake, if not seriously undermine, faith in the electoral process. The Commission found that more than 1.4 million eligible Californians opt out of registering to vote or fail to complete their registration through the program.

“California has one of the most diverse populations in the nation, but the state’s electorate does not reflect this,” Commission Chair Pedro Nava said. “The promise of the New Motor Voter Program, and other recent electoral reforms, lies in their ability to entice millions of eligible new and infrequent voters out to make their voice heard. But these mistakes weaken trust in government and discourage Californians form fulfilling their civic responsibility.”

As the new Administration sets its agenda, the Commission offers the following proposals for improved administration of this important program:

  1. In the first quarter of implementation, far too many eligible Californians chose not to register through the program. The Secretary of State should engage in activities to learn why eligible Californians opt out of registering to vote and report findings to lawmakers annually;
  2. The Secretary of State sends outreach postcards to eligible individuals who opt out of registering to vote through the New Motor Voter Program or who provide unclear or missing registration information. The Secretary of State should measure and determine the effectiveness and cost efficiency of these outreach efforts and consider other approaches where appropriate; and
  3. Effective administration of voter registration is critical to maintaining public trust in the electoral process. The California State Auditor should review the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Department of Technology’s administration of the New Motor Voter Program to ensure its long-term integrity.

The Little Hoover Commission is an independent state agency charged with recommending ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of state programs. The Commission’s recommendations are submitted to the Governor and the Legislature for their consideration and action. The letter report is available at www.lhc.ca.gov.

Fact Sheet

Study Description

For this study, the Little Hoover Commission reviewed voter participation in California. Despite the recent historic high registration and turnout for the 2016 presidential election, 25 percent of registered voters and nearly half of California’s 24.8 million eligible voters did not participate in the election.

The Commission reviewed several recent laws designed to increase voter registration opportunities and improve access to the electoral process. These include: (1) pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds; (2) a new Motor Voter program to automate voter registration and pre-registration for individuals obtaining or renewing identification cards or driver licenses with the DMV; and (3) and a new option for counties to expand voting opportunities by providing all registered voters with vote-by-mail ballots and opening vote centers and ballot drop-off locations prior to election day, instead of only operating polling places on election day. In its review, the Commission sought to better understand who among California’s eligible voters does not register or turn out to cast a ballot.

The Commission held two hearings during this study. The first hearing, on May 25, 2017, focused on the voter participation landscape in California and potential consequences and outcomes of implementing new election reforms. At the second hearing, on September 28, 2017, Commissioners learned about plans to modernize the voting experience and increase voter participation in Los Angeles County.

Agenda

Overview

In this report, the Little Hoover Commission calls for an overhaul of the New Motor Voter Program implementation. In enacting the program, lawmakers sought to ease registration processes for eligible voters and boost the number of Californians on the state’s voter rolls.

During its review, the Commission found that implementation errors at the Department of Motor Vehicles negatively altered thousands of voter records and improperly registered hundreds of others – mistakes that weaken the integrity of California’s electoral process. The Commission also found that despite efforts to make voter registration easier, many eligible voters continue to decline opportunities to register to vote while completing transactions at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Further, outreach efforts by the Secretary of State to communicate with these eligible voters do not include analysis to understand why so many individuals fail to take action. The Secretary of State and Department of Motor Vehicles could do more to understand why so many choose not to register and otherwise review the effectiveness of the new program.

The Commission recommended prompt action to correct administrative problems at the Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as evaluation by the Secretary of State to understand why the program is not successful for so many potential voters.

Print Agenda
  • October 25
    2018
    Business Meeting
    at approximately 9:30 a.m., BMG Conference Room, 925 L Street, Sacr
    Business Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Business Meeting
    Thursday, October 25, 2018
    925 L Street, BMG Conference Room
    Sacramento, CA

    I. Business Meeting Minutes from March 22, July 26 and September 27, 2018

    II. Draft Report on AI Study for Review and Consideration

    III. Draft Report on Voter Participation for Review and Consideration

    IV. Subcommittee Reports

    V. Project Selection

    VI. Implementation and Impact Activity

    VII. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office

    VIII. Closed Session:

    PERSONNEL

    The Commission will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1). 

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 12, 2018

    For Additional Information Contact:

    Jeanne R. Wolfe, Executive Director (A)

    (916) 445-2125

    Revised Notice of Meeting (Meeting Location Updated)

    On Thursday, October 25, 2018, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a business meeting to review and consider draft letter reports on two current studies. The Commission will also conduct regularly scheduled activities. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the BMG Conference Room located on the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    Following this discussion, the Commission may meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).  The Commission will then reconvene in open session and publically announce any actions taken in closed session consistent with Government Code section 11126.3, subdivision(f).

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Executive Director (A) at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2018.

  • October 26
    2017
    Business Meeting
    9:30 a.m., 925 L Street, Room 175, Sacramento, CA
    Business Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Business Meeting
    Thursday, October 26, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
    925 L Street, Room 175
    Sacramento, CA 95814
     

    1. Business Meeting Minutes from September 28, 2017
       
    2. Presentation from Jennifer Kent, Director, Department of Health Care Services (Written Testimony)
    3. Closed Session
              PERSONNEL
              The Commission will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).
       
    4. Subcommittee Reports
      a.  Forest Management – Status update
           – Discussion on Draft Recommendations

      b.  Voter Participation - Status update

      c.  Artificial Intelligence – Status update
       
    5. Commission Survey
       
    6. Project Selection
       
    7. Implementation and Impact Activity
       
    8. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 12, 2017

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Terri Hardy, Deputy Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, October 26, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a business meeting to hear an update on a prior Commission report and study and conduct regularly scheduled activities.  The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room 175 located on the first floor of 925 L Street in Sacramento. 

    At the meeting, the Commission will hear from Jennifer Kent, director of the California Department of Health Care Services, who will provide an implementation update on the recommendations from the Commission’s April 2016 report, Fixing Denti-Cal.  The Commission will learn about the department’s progress in achieving a 60 percent utilization goal for children and efforts to streamline and automate enrollment for dentists.

    Following this discussion, the Commission will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).  The Commission will then reconvene in open session and publically announce any actions taken in closed session consistent with Government Code section 11126.3, subdivision(f).

    The Commission will then discuss the potential recommendations for its forest management study.  The Commission will also receive status updates on two ongoing studies on voter participation and artificial intelligence.

    Following these updates, the Commission will conduct other business as detailed on the agenda.  

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Deputy Executive Director Terri Hardy at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 19, 2017.

    Video

  • September 28
    2017
    Voter Participation
    9:30 a.m., CPUC Hearing Room, Junipero Serra State Office Building,
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Voter Participation
    Thursday, September 28, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
    CPUC Hearing Room, Junipero Serra State Office Building
    320 West 4th Street, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA  90013


    The Future of Voting in Los Angeles County

    1. Dean Logan, Registrar of Voters, Los Angeles County (Written Testimony Appendices)
       

    Evaluating California’s Readiness for Election Reforms: Opportunities & Potential Pitfalls

    1. Kim Alexander, President & Founder, California Voter Foundation  (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Jen Tolentino, Director of Policy & Civic Tech, Rock the Vote  (Written Testimony)
       

    Community Concerns and Hopes for Los Angeles’ Election Reforms

    1. James Woodson, Organizing Coordinator, California Calls  (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Rosemarie Molina, Civic Engagement Coordinator, Community Coalition  (Written Testimony)
       

    Evaluating Los Angeles County’s Readiness for Election Reforms: Opportunities & Potential Pitfalls

    1. Kathay Feng, Executive Director, California Common Cause  (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Rosalind Gold, Senior Director of Policy, Research and Advocacy, NALEO Educational Fund  (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Deanna Kitamura, Voting Rights Project Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice  (Written Testimony Attachment)
       
    4. Paul Spencer, Staff Attorney for Voting Rights, and Gabriel Taylor, Voting Rights Advocate, Disability Rights California  (Written Testimony)

    Written Comments from Members of the Public

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 14, 2017

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, September 28, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on voter participation and examine planned election improvements to modernize the voting experience in Los Angeles County.  The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in CPUC Hearing Room - Suite 500 of the Junipero Serra State Office Building in Los Angeles.

    At the hearing, The Commission first will hear from the registrar of voters for Los Angeles County, who will discuss plans for modernizing the voting experience in the county and discuss steps currently underway to implement the Voter’s Choice Act in 2020. Next, the Commission will hear from a panel on evaluating California’s readiness for implementing elections reforms.  The panel, consisting of representatives from the California Voter Foundation and Rock the Vote, will discuss potential opportunities and pitfalls in evaluating electoral reform implantation.  The Commission then will hear from representatives from California Calls and Community Coalition who will discuss on-the-ground perspectives on voter participation and experiences during elections.  Lastly, the Commission also will hear from a panel that will discuss the perspectives of various stakeholders in Los Angeles, representing several prominent civic engagement organizations, including: California Common Cause, NALEO Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice and Disability Rights California. The panelists have been asked to discuss how the Los Angeles pilot of the Voter’s Choice Act would impact the communities which they represent.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing.  Public comments will be limited to three minutes per person.  The Commission also encourages written comments. 

    The Commission will convene a business meeting in the same hearing room in Los Angeles at approximately 12:30 p.m.  Members of the public will have an opportunity to make comments about Commission agenda items during the business meeting.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 21, 2017.

    Video



  • May 25
    2017
    Voter Participation
    9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 2040, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Voter Participation
    Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 2040
    Sacramento, CA 


    Opening Remarks

    California’s Voter Participation Landscape and Lessons from Research: Potential Challenges to Implementing Election Reforms

    1. Eric McGhee, Research Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Mindy Romero, Director, California Civic Engagement Project, UC Davis Center for Regional Change (Written Testimony)
       

    On the Ground: Improving Voter Turnout in California Communities

    1. Neal Kelley, Registrar of Voters, Orange County (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Jill LaVine, Registrar of Voters, Sacramento County (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Gail Pellerin, County Clerk, Santa Cruz County (Written Testimony)
       

    Ensuring Voting Access for Californians With Disabilities

    1. Fred Nisen, Supervising Attorney for Voting Rights, Disability Rights California (Written Testimony, Supplemental Testimony)


    BUSINESS MEETING & LUNCH – ROOM 125 


    Stakeholder Voices: Ensuring Access for All California Voters

    1. Deanna Kitamura, Voting Rights Project Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Written Testimony, Attachment)
       
    2. Ofelia Medina, Director of State Civic Engagement Policy, NALEO Educational Fund (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Dora Rose, Senior Director of Civic Engagement, League of Women Voters of California (Written Testimony)
       
    4. Lori Shellenberger, Consultant, ACLU of California (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Implementing California’s Elections Reforms

    1. Bill Davidson, Chief Deputy Director, Department of Motor Vehicles and Ronda Paschal, Deputy Secretary, Legislation, California State Transportation Agency (Written Testimony, Supplemental Testimony)
       
    2. James Schwab, Chief of Legislative Affairs, Office of the California Secretary of State (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 11, 2017

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, May 25, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on voter participation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 2040 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    At this hearing, the Commission will review the current landscape of voters in California to better understand who is participating in California’s elections. The Commission also will consider how recent legislative reforms are expected to change the voter participation landscape and explore further opportunities to ease the voter registration process and improve voter turnout, including considering any remaining work and challenges to implementing some of the recent reforms.

    The Commission will hear from a panel of researchers about trends in voter participation in California, as well as potential unintended consequences of the state’s recent electoral reforms. A panel of local election officials will discuss both opportunities and challenges implementing some of the recently enacted electoral reforms, particularly the Voter’s Choice Act. Next, the Commission will hear from civic engagement experts and stakeholders who are actively monitoring progress of both the New Motor Voter Program and the Voter’s Choice Act. They will discuss concerns with implementation and share ideas for California’s election officials to maximize opportunities for improved voter participation, particularly for traditional underrepresented voter groups. Finally, representatives from the Department of Motor Vehicles, California State Transportation Agency and Office of the California Secretary of State will share their implementation plans and strategies.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. Public comments will be limited to three minutes per person. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    The Commission will convene a business meeting in Room 125 of the State Capitol at approximately 11:30 a.m. The public hearing will reconvene at approximately 12:30 p.m.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, May 18, 2017. 

    Video

    Link

October 25
2018
Business Meeting
at approximately 9:30 a.m., BMG Conference Room, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Business Meeting
Agenda

AGENDA

Business Meeting
Thursday, October 25, 2018
925 L Street, BMG Conference Room
Sacramento, CA

I. Business Meeting Minutes from March 22, July 26 and September 27, 2018

II. Draft Report on AI Study for Review and Consideration

III. Draft Report on Voter Participation for Review and Consideration

IV. Subcommittee Reports

V. Project Selection

VI. Implementation and Impact Activity

VII. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office

VIII. Closed Session:

PERSONNEL

The Commission will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1). 

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 12, 2018

For Additional Information Contact:

Jeanne R. Wolfe, Executive Director (A)

(916) 445-2125

Revised Notice of Meeting (Meeting Location Updated)

On Thursday, October 25, 2018, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a business meeting to review and consider draft letter reports on two current studies. The Commission will also conduct regularly scheduled activities. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the BMG Conference Room located on the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

Following this discussion, the Commission may meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).  The Commission will then reconvene in open session and publically announce any actions taken in closed session consistent with Government Code section 11126.3, subdivision(f).

If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Executive Director (A) at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2018.

October 26
2017
Business Meeting
9:30 a.m., 925 L Street, Room 175, Sacramento, CA
Business Meeting
Agenda

AGENDA

Business Meeting
Thursday, October 26, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
925 L Street, Room 175
Sacramento, CA 95814
 

  1. Business Meeting Minutes from September 28, 2017
     
  2. Presentation from Jennifer Kent, Director, Department of Health Care Services (Written Testimony)
  3. Closed Session
            PERSONNEL
            The Commission will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).
     
  4. Subcommittee Reports
    a.  Forest Management – Status update
         – Discussion on Draft Recommendations

    b.  Voter Participation - Status update

    c.  Artificial Intelligence – Status update
     
  5. Commission Survey
     
  6. Project Selection
     
  7. Implementation and Impact Activity
     
  8. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2017

For Additional Information Contact:
Terri Hardy, Deputy Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, October 26, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a business meeting to hear an update on a prior Commission report and study and conduct regularly scheduled activities.  The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room 175 located on the first floor of 925 L Street in Sacramento. 

At the meeting, the Commission will hear from Jennifer Kent, director of the California Department of Health Care Services, who will provide an implementation update on the recommendations from the Commission’s April 2016 report, Fixing Denti-Cal.  The Commission will learn about the department’s progress in achieving a 60 percent utilization goal for children and efforts to streamline and automate enrollment for dentists.

Following this discussion, the Commission will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).  The Commission will then reconvene in open session and publically announce any actions taken in closed session consistent with Government Code section 11126.3, subdivision(f).

The Commission will then discuss the potential recommendations for its forest management study.  The Commission will also receive status updates on two ongoing studies on voter participation and artificial intelligence.

Following these updates, the Commission will conduct other business as detailed on the agenda.  

If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Deputy Executive Director Terri Hardy at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 19, 2017.

Video

September 28
2017
Voter Participation
9:30 a.m., CPUC Hearing Room, Junipero Serra State Office Building, 320 West 4th Street, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA  90013
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Voter Participation
Thursday, September 28, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
CPUC Hearing Room, Junipero Serra State Office Building
320 West 4th Street, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA  90013


The Future of Voting in Los Angeles County

  1. Dean Logan, Registrar of Voters, Los Angeles County (Written Testimony Appendices)
     

Evaluating California’s Readiness for Election Reforms: Opportunities & Potential Pitfalls

  1. Kim Alexander, President & Founder, California Voter Foundation  (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Jen Tolentino, Director of Policy & Civic Tech, Rock the Vote  (Written Testimony)
     

Community Concerns and Hopes for Los Angeles’ Election Reforms

  1. James Woodson, Organizing Coordinator, California Calls  (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Rosemarie Molina, Civic Engagement Coordinator, Community Coalition  (Written Testimony)
     

Evaluating Los Angeles County’s Readiness for Election Reforms: Opportunities & Potential Pitfalls

  1. Kathay Feng, Executive Director, California Common Cause  (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Rosalind Gold, Senior Director of Policy, Research and Advocacy, NALEO Educational Fund  (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Deanna Kitamura, Voting Rights Project Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice  (Written Testimony Attachment)
     
  4. Paul Spencer, Staff Attorney for Voting Rights, and Gabriel Taylor, Voting Rights Advocate, Disability Rights California  (Written Testimony)

Written Comments from Members of the Public

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2017

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, September 28, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on voter participation and examine planned election improvements to modernize the voting experience in Los Angeles County.  The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in CPUC Hearing Room - Suite 500 of the Junipero Serra State Office Building in Los Angeles.

At the hearing, The Commission first will hear from the registrar of voters for Los Angeles County, who will discuss plans for modernizing the voting experience in the county and discuss steps currently underway to implement the Voter’s Choice Act in 2020. Next, the Commission will hear from a panel on evaluating California’s readiness for implementing elections reforms.  The panel, consisting of representatives from the California Voter Foundation and Rock the Vote, will discuss potential opportunities and pitfalls in evaluating electoral reform implantation.  The Commission then will hear from representatives from California Calls and Community Coalition who will discuss on-the-ground perspectives on voter participation and experiences during elections.  Lastly, the Commission also will hear from a panel that will discuss the perspectives of various stakeholders in Los Angeles, representing several prominent civic engagement organizations, including: California Common Cause, NALEO Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice and Disability Rights California. The panelists have been asked to discuss how the Los Angeles pilot of the Voter’s Choice Act would impact the communities which they represent.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing.  Public comments will be limited to three minutes per person.  The Commission also encourages written comments. 

The Commission will convene a business meeting in the same hearing room in Los Angeles at approximately 12:30 p.m.  Members of the public will have an opportunity to make comments about Commission agenda items during the business meeting.

If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 21, 2017.

Video



May 25
2017
Voter Participation
9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 2040, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Voter Participation
Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 2040
Sacramento, CA 


Opening Remarks

California’s Voter Participation Landscape and Lessons from Research: Potential Challenges to Implementing Election Reforms

  1. Eric McGhee, Research Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Mindy Romero, Director, California Civic Engagement Project, UC Davis Center for Regional Change (Written Testimony)
     

On the Ground: Improving Voter Turnout in California Communities

  1. Neal Kelley, Registrar of Voters, Orange County (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Jill LaVine, Registrar of Voters, Sacramento County (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Gail Pellerin, County Clerk, Santa Cruz County (Written Testimony)
     

Ensuring Voting Access for Californians With Disabilities

  1. Fred Nisen, Supervising Attorney for Voting Rights, Disability Rights California (Written Testimony, Supplemental Testimony)


BUSINESS MEETING & LUNCH – ROOM 125 


Stakeholder Voices: Ensuring Access for All California Voters

  1. Deanna Kitamura, Voting Rights Project Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Written Testimony, Attachment)
     
  2. Ofelia Medina, Director of State Civic Engagement Policy, NALEO Educational Fund (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Dora Rose, Senior Director of Civic Engagement, League of Women Voters of California (Written Testimony)
     
  4. Lori Shellenberger, Consultant, ACLU of California (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Implementing California’s Elections Reforms

  1. Bill Davidson, Chief Deputy Director, Department of Motor Vehicles and Ronda Paschal, Deputy Secretary, Legislation, California State Transportation Agency (Written Testimony, Supplemental Testimony)
     
  2. James Schwab, Chief of Legislative Affairs, Office of the California Secretary of State (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2017

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, May 25, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on voter participation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 2040 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

At this hearing, the Commission will review the current landscape of voters in California to better understand who is participating in California’s elections. The Commission also will consider how recent legislative reforms are expected to change the voter participation landscape and explore further opportunities to ease the voter registration process and improve voter turnout, including considering any remaining work and challenges to implementing some of the recent reforms.

The Commission will hear from a panel of researchers about trends in voter participation in California, as well as potential unintended consequences of the state’s recent electoral reforms. A panel of local election officials will discuss both opportunities and challenges implementing some of the recently enacted electoral reforms, particularly the Voter’s Choice Act. Next, the Commission will hear from civic engagement experts and stakeholders who are actively monitoring progress of both the New Motor Voter Program and the Voter’s Choice Act. They will discuss concerns with implementation and share ideas for California’s election officials to maximize opportunities for improved voter participation, particularly for traditional underrepresented voter groups. Finally, representatives from the Department of Motor Vehicles, California State Transportation Agency and Office of the California Secretary of State will share their implementation plans and strategies.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. Public comments will be limited to three minutes per person. The Commission also encourages written comments.

The Commission will convene a business meeting in Room 125 of the State Capitol at approximately 11:30 a.m. The public hearing will reconvene at approximately 12:30 p.m.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, May 18, 2017. 

Video

Link

Print Agenda
  • October 25
    2018
    Business Meeting
    at approximately 9:30 a.m., BMG Conference Room, 925 L Street, Sacr
    Business Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Business Meeting
    Thursday, October 25, 2018
    925 L Street, BMG Conference Room
    Sacramento, CA

    I. Business Meeting Minutes from March 22, July 26 and September 27, 2018

    II. Draft Report on AI Study for Review and Consideration

    III. Draft Report on Voter Participation for Review and Consideration

    IV. Subcommittee Reports

    V. Project Selection

    VI. Implementation and Impact Activity

    VII. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office

    VIII. Closed Session:

    PERSONNEL

    The Commission will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1). 

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 12, 2018

    For Additional Information Contact:

    Jeanne R. Wolfe, Executive Director (A)

    (916) 445-2125

    Revised Notice of Meeting (Meeting Location Updated)

    On Thursday, October 25, 2018, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a business meeting to review and consider draft letter reports on two current studies. The Commission will also conduct regularly scheduled activities. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the BMG Conference Room located on the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    Following this discussion, the Commission may meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).  The Commission will then reconvene in open session and publically announce any actions taken in closed session consistent with Government Code section 11126.3, subdivision(f).

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Executive Director (A) at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2018.

  • October 26
    2017
    Business Meeting
    9:30 a.m., 925 L Street, Room 175, Sacramento, CA
    Business Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Business Meeting
    Thursday, October 26, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
    925 L Street, Room 175
    Sacramento, CA 95814
     

    1. Business Meeting Minutes from September 28, 2017
       
    2. Presentation from Jennifer Kent, Director, Department of Health Care Services (Written Testimony)
    3. Closed Session
              PERSONNEL
              The Commission will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).
       
    4. Subcommittee Reports
      a.  Forest Management – Status update
           – Discussion on Draft Recommendations

      b.  Voter Participation - Status update

      c.  Artificial Intelligence – Status update
       
    5. Commission Survey
       
    6. Project Selection
       
    7. Implementation and Impact Activity
       
    8. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 12, 2017

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Terri Hardy, Deputy Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, October 26, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a business meeting to hear an update on a prior Commission report and study and conduct regularly scheduled activities.  The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room 175 located on the first floor of 925 L Street in Sacramento. 

    At the meeting, the Commission will hear from Jennifer Kent, director of the California Department of Health Care Services, who will provide an implementation update on the recommendations from the Commission’s April 2016 report, Fixing Denti-Cal.  The Commission will learn about the department’s progress in achieving a 60 percent utilization goal for children and efforts to streamline and automate enrollment for dentists.

    Following this discussion, the Commission will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).  The Commission will then reconvene in open session and publically announce any actions taken in closed session consistent with Government Code section 11126.3, subdivision(f).

    The Commission will then discuss the potential recommendations for its forest management study.  The Commission will also receive status updates on two ongoing studies on voter participation and artificial intelligence.

    Following these updates, the Commission will conduct other business as detailed on the agenda.  

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Deputy Executive Director Terri Hardy at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 19, 2017.

    Video

  • September 28
    2017
    Voter Participation
    9:30 a.m., CPUC Hearing Room, Junipero Serra State Office Building,
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Voter Participation
    Thursday, September 28, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
    CPUC Hearing Room, Junipero Serra State Office Building
    320 West 4th Street, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA  90013


    The Future of Voting in Los Angeles County

    1. Dean Logan, Registrar of Voters, Los Angeles County (Written Testimony Appendices)
       

    Evaluating California’s Readiness for Election Reforms: Opportunities & Potential Pitfalls

    1. Kim Alexander, President & Founder, California Voter Foundation  (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Jen Tolentino, Director of Policy & Civic Tech, Rock the Vote  (Written Testimony)
       

    Community Concerns and Hopes for Los Angeles’ Election Reforms

    1. James Woodson, Organizing Coordinator, California Calls  (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Rosemarie Molina, Civic Engagement Coordinator, Community Coalition  (Written Testimony)
       

    Evaluating Los Angeles County’s Readiness for Election Reforms: Opportunities & Potential Pitfalls

    1. Kathay Feng, Executive Director, California Common Cause  (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Rosalind Gold, Senior Director of Policy, Research and Advocacy, NALEO Educational Fund  (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Deanna Kitamura, Voting Rights Project Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice  (Written Testimony Attachment)
       
    4. Paul Spencer, Staff Attorney for Voting Rights, and Gabriel Taylor, Voting Rights Advocate, Disability Rights California  (Written Testimony)

    Written Comments from Members of the Public

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 14, 2017

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, September 28, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on voter participation and examine planned election improvements to modernize the voting experience in Los Angeles County.  The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in CPUC Hearing Room - Suite 500 of the Junipero Serra State Office Building in Los Angeles.

    At the hearing, The Commission first will hear from the registrar of voters for Los Angeles County, who will discuss plans for modernizing the voting experience in the county and discuss steps currently underway to implement the Voter’s Choice Act in 2020. Next, the Commission will hear from a panel on evaluating California’s readiness for implementing elections reforms.  The panel, consisting of representatives from the California Voter Foundation and Rock the Vote, will discuss potential opportunities and pitfalls in evaluating electoral reform implantation.  The Commission then will hear from representatives from California Calls and Community Coalition who will discuss on-the-ground perspectives on voter participation and experiences during elections.  Lastly, the Commission also will hear from a panel that will discuss the perspectives of various stakeholders in Los Angeles, representing several prominent civic engagement organizations, including: California Common Cause, NALEO Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice and Disability Rights California. The panelists have been asked to discuss how the Los Angeles pilot of the Voter’s Choice Act would impact the communities which they represent.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing.  Public comments will be limited to three minutes per person.  The Commission also encourages written comments. 

    The Commission will convene a business meeting in the same hearing room in Los Angeles at approximately 12:30 p.m.  Members of the public will have an opportunity to make comments about Commission agenda items during the business meeting.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 21, 2017.

    Video



  • May 25
    2017
    Voter Participation
    9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 2040, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Voter Participation
    Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 2040
    Sacramento, CA 


    Opening Remarks

    California’s Voter Participation Landscape and Lessons from Research: Potential Challenges to Implementing Election Reforms

    1. Eric McGhee, Research Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Mindy Romero, Director, California Civic Engagement Project, UC Davis Center for Regional Change (Written Testimony)
       

    On the Ground: Improving Voter Turnout in California Communities

    1. Neal Kelley, Registrar of Voters, Orange County (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Jill LaVine, Registrar of Voters, Sacramento County (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Gail Pellerin, County Clerk, Santa Cruz County (Written Testimony)
       

    Ensuring Voting Access for Californians With Disabilities

    1. Fred Nisen, Supervising Attorney for Voting Rights, Disability Rights California (Written Testimony, Supplemental Testimony)


    BUSINESS MEETING & LUNCH – ROOM 125 


    Stakeholder Voices: Ensuring Access for All California Voters

    1. Deanna Kitamura, Voting Rights Project Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Written Testimony, Attachment)
       
    2. Ofelia Medina, Director of State Civic Engagement Policy, NALEO Educational Fund (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Dora Rose, Senior Director of Civic Engagement, League of Women Voters of California (Written Testimony)
       
    4. Lori Shellenberger, Consultant, ACLU of California (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Implementing California’s Elections Reforms

    1. Bill Davidson, Chief Deputy Director, Department of Motor Vehicles and Ronda Paschal, Deputy Secretary, Legislation, California State Transportation Agency (Written Testimony, Supplemental Testimony)
       
    2. James Schwab, Chief of Legislative Affairs, Office of the California Secretary of State (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 11, 2017

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Thursday, May 25, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on voter participation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 2040 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    At this hearing, the Commission will review the current landscape of voters in California to better understand who is participating in California’s elections. The Commission also will consider how recent legislative reforms are expected to change the voter participation landscape and explore further opportunities to ease the voter registration process and improve voter turnout, including considering any remaining work and challenges to implementing some of the recent reforms.

    The Commission will hear from a panel of researchers about trends in voter participation in California, as well as potential unintended consequences of the state’s recent electoral reforms. A panel of local election officials will discuss both opportunities and challenges implementing some of the recently enacted electoral reforms, particularly the Voter’s Choice Act. Next, the Commission will hear from civic engagement experts and stakeholders who are actively monitoring progress of both the New Motor Voter Program and the Voter’s Choice Act. They will discuss concerns with implementation and share ideas for California’s election officials to maximize opportunities for improved voter participation, particularly for traditional underrepresented voter groups. Finally, representatives from the Department of Motor Vehicles, California State Transportation Agency and Office of the California Secretary of State will share their implementation plans and strategies.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. Public comments will be limited to three minutes per person. The Commission also encourages written comments.

    The Commission will convene a business meeting in Room 125 of the State Capitol at approximately 11:30 a.m. The public hearing will reconvene at approximately 12:30 p.m.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, May 18, 2017. 

    Video

    Link

October 25
2018
Business Meeting
at approximately 9:30 a.m., BMG Conference Room, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Business Meeting
Agenda

AGENDA

Business Meeting
Thursday, October 25, 2018
925 L Street, BMG Conference Room
Sacramento, CA

I. Business Meeting Minutes from March 22, July 26 and September 27, 2018

II. Draft Report on AI Study for Review and Consideration

III. Draft Report on Voter Participation for Review and Consideration

IV. Subcommittee Reports

V. Project Selection

VI. Implementation and Impact Activity

VII. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office

VIII. Closed Session:

PERSONNEL

The Commission will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1). 

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 12, 2018

For Additional Information Contact:

Jeanne R. Wolfe, Executive Director (A)

(916) 445-2125

Revised Notice of Meeting (Meeting Location Updated)

On Thursday, October 25, 2018, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a business meeting to review and consider draft letter reports on two current studies. The Commission will also conduct regularly scheduled activities. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the BMG Conference Room located on the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

Following this discussion, the Commission may meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).  The Commission will then reconvene in open session and publically announce any actions taken in closed session consistent with Government Code section 11126.3, subdivision(f).

If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Executive Director (A) at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 18, 2018.

October 26
2017
Business Meeting
9:30 a.m., 925 L Street, Room 175, Sacramento, CA
Business Meeting
Agenda

AGENDA

Business Meeting
Thursday, October 26, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
925 L Street, Room 175
Sacramento, CA 95814
 

  1. Business Meeting Minutes from September 28, 2017
     
  2. Presentation from Jennifer Kent, Director, Department of Health Care Services (Written Testimony)
  3. Closed Session
            PERSONNEL
            The Commission will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).
     
  4. Subcommittee Reports
    a.  Forest Management – Status update
         – Discussion on Draft Recommendations

    b.  Voter Participation - Status update

    c.  Artificial Intelligence – Status update
     
  5. Commission Survey
     
  6. Project Selection
     
  7. Implementation and Impact Activity
     
  8. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2017

For Additional Information Contact:
Terri Hardy, Deputy Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, October 26, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a business meeting to hear an update on a prior Commission report and study and conduct regularly scheduled activities.  The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room 175 located on the first floor of 925 L Street in Sacramento. 

At the meeting, the Commission will hear from Jennifer Kent, director of the California Department of Health Care Services, who will provide an implementation update on the recommendations from the Commission’s April 2016 report, Fixing Denti-Cal.  The Commission will learn about the department’s progress in achieving a 60 percent utilization goal for children and efforts to streamline and automate enrollment for dentists.

Following this discussion, the Commission will meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters consistent with Government Code section 11126, subdivision (a)(1).  The Commission will then reconvene in open session and publically announce any actions taken in closed session consistent with Government Code section 11126.3, subdivision(f).

The Commission will then discuss the potential recommendations for its forest management study.  The Commission will also receive status updates on two ongoing studies on voter participation and artificial intelligence.

Following these updates, the Commission will conduct other business as detailed on the agenda.  

If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Deputy Executive Director Terri Hardy at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, October 19, 2017.

Video

September 28
2017
Voter Participation
9:30 a.m., CPUC Hearing Room, Junipero Serra State Office Building, 320 West 4th Street, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA  90013
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Voter Participation
Thursday, September 28, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
CPUC Hearing Room, Junipero Serra State Office Building
320 West 4th Street, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA  90013


The Future of Voting in Los Angeles County

  1. Dean Logan, Registrar of Voters, Los Angeles County (Written Testimony Appendices)
     

Evaluating California’s Readiness for Election Reforms: Opportunities & Potential Pitfalls

  1. Kim Alexander, President & Founder, California Voter Foundation  (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Jen Tolentino, Director of Policy & Civic Tech, Rock the Vote  (Written Testimony)
     

Community Concerns and Hopes for Los Angeles’ Election Reforms

  1. James Woodson, Organizing Coordinator, California Calls  (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Rosemarie Molina, Civic Engagement Coordinator, Community Coalition  (Written Testimony)
     

Evaluating Los Angeles County’s Readiness for Election Reforms: Opportunities & Potential Pitfalls

  1. Kathay Feng, Executive Director, California Common Cause  (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Rosalind Gold, Senior Director of Policy, Research and Advocacy, NALEO Educational Fund  (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Deanna Kitamura, Voting Rights Project Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice  (Written Testimony Attachment)
     
  4. Paul Spencer, Staff Attorney for Voting Rights, and Gabriel Taylor, Voting Rights Advocate, Disability Rights California  (Written Testimony)

Written Comments from Members of the Public

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2017

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, September 28, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on voter participation and examine planned election improvements to modernize the voting experience in Los Angeles County.  The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in CPUC Hearing Room - Suite 500 of the Junipero Serra State Office Building in Los Angeles.

At the hearing, The Commission first will hear from the registrar of voters for Los Angeles County, who will discuss plans for modernizing the voting experience in the county and discuss steps currently underway to implement the Voter’s Choice Act in 2020. Next, the Commission will hear from a panel on evaluating California’s readiness for implementing elections reforms.  The panel, consisting of representatives from the California Voter Foundation and Rock the Vote, will discuss potential opportunities and pitfalls in evaluating electoral reform implantation.  The Commission then will hear from representatives from California Calls and Community Coalition who will discuss on-the-ground perspectives on voter participation and experiences during elections.  Lastly, the Commission also will hear from a panel that will discuss the perspectives of various stakeholders in Los Angeles, representing several prominent civic engagement organizations, including: California Common Cause, NALEO Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice and Disability Rights California. The panelists have been asked to discuss how the Los Angeles pilot of the Voter’s Choice Act would impact the communities which they represent.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing.  Public comments will be limited to three minutes per person.  The Commission also encourages written comments. 

The Commission will convene a business meeting in the same hearing room in Los Angeles at approximately 12:30 p.m.  Members of the public will have an opportunity to make comments about Commission agenda items during the business meeting.

If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 21, 2017.

Video



May 25
2017
Voter Participation
9:30 a.m., State Capitol, Room 2040, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Voter Participation
Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 2040
Sacramento, CA 


Opening Remarks

California’s Voter Participation Landscape and Lessons from Research: Potential Challenges to Implementing Election Reforms

  1. Eric McGhee, Research Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Mindy Romero, Director, California Civic Engagement Project, UC Davis Center for Regional Change (Written Testimony)
     

On the Ground: Improving Voter Turnout in California Communities

  1. Neal Kelley, Registrar of Voters, Orange County (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Jill LaVine, Registrar of Voters, Sacramento County (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Gail Pellerin, County Clerk, Santa Cruz County (Written Testimony)
     

Ensuring Voting Access for Californians With Disabilities

  1. Fred Nisen, Supervising Attorney for Voting Rights, Disability Rights California (Written Testimony, Supplemental Testimony)


BUSINESS MEETING & LUNCH – ROOM 125 


Stakeholder Voices: Ensuring Access for All California Voters

  1. Deanna Kitamura, Voting Rights Project Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Written Testimony, Attachment)
     
  2. Ofelia Medina, Director of State Civic Engagement Policy, NALEO Educational Fund (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Dora Rose, Senior Director of Civic Engagement, League of Women Voters of California (Written Testimony)
     
  4. Lori Shellenberger, Consultant, ACLU of California (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Implementing California’s Elections Reforms

  1. Bill Davidson, Chief Deputy Director, Department of Motor Vehicles and Ronda Paschal, Deputy Secretary, Legislation, California State Transportation Agency (Written Testimony, Supplemental Testimony)
     
  2. James Schwab, Chief of Legislative Affairs, Office of the California Secretary of State (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2017

For Additional Information Contact:
Carole D’Elia, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Thursday, May 25, 2017, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on voter participation. The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 2040 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

At this hearing, the Commission will review the current landscape of voters in California to better understand who is participating in California’s elections. The Commission also will consider how recent legislative reforms are expected to change the voter participation landscape and explore further opportunities to ease the voter registration process and improve voter turnout, including considering any remaining work and challenges to implementing some of the recent reforms.

The Commission will hear from a panel of researchers about trends in voter participation in California, as well as potential unintended consequences of the state’s recent electoral reforms. A panel of local election officials will discuss both opportunities and challenges implementing some of the recently enacted electoral reforms, particularly the Voter’s Choice Act. Next, the Commission will hear from civic engagement experts and stakeholders who are actively monitoring progress of both the New Motor Voter Program and the Voter’s Choice Act. They will discuss concerns with implementation and share ideas for California’s election officials to maximize opportunities for improved voter participation, particularly for traditional underrepresented voter groups. Finally, representatives from the Department of Motor Vehicles, California State Transportation Agency and Office of the California Secretary of State will share their implementation plans and strategies.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. Public comments will be limited to three minutes per person. The Commission also encourages written comments.

The Commission will convene a business meeting in Room 125 of the State Capitol at approximately 11:30 a.m. The public hearing will reconvene at approximately 12:30 p.m.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s website, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Commission Executive Director Carole D’Elia at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, May 18, 2017. 

Video

Link