Happy National Voter Registration Day!

AM Alert: Legislators discuss declining voter turnout

A record-low 42.2 percent of California voters participated in last November’s statewide general election, five months after a mere 25 percent of them voted in the June 2014 primary.

Lawmakers, political consultants and other experts will discuss the reasons for the growing election apathy and possible solutions at “Understanding California’s Voter Turnout Crisis: The Decline of Civic Participation,” an event hosted by the Leadership California Institute.So far this year, lawmakers have put forward proposals for automatic voter registration and other efforts to help reverse the voter drought.

The lineup of speakers includes state Sen. Ben Allen D-Santa Monica, and Assemblywoman Ling-Ling Chang R-Diamond Bar. Kim Alexander, president and founder of the California Voter Foundation, and Anthony York, editor and publisher of the Grizzly Bear Project, will also contribute to the forum.

The event is at 11 a.m. at the Citizen Hotel, 926 J Street.

FRACKING: Two years ago, Gov. Jerry Brown signed California’s most comprehensive legislation on the controversial oil and gas drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing. The measure mandates permits and groundwater monitoring for energy companies seeking to begin new fracking wells, as well as requiring the state to conduct an independent scientific assessment of well stimulation in California. The second set of those reports is set to be released today. The California Council on Science and Technology will present its findings, including how well stimulation could affect water, atmosphere, seismic activity, wildlife and vegetation, and human health, 3 p.m. at the California Environmental Protection Agency on I Street.

BREAST CANCER SEMINAR: Recent research suggests that women with dense breast tissue may not need the additional cancer screenings often recommended by physicians – well-intentioned caution that can lead to false positives and burdensome costs. Joy Melkinow, director for the Center of Health Policy and Research at UC Davis, will discuss the changing evidence on cancer screenings and prevention, and its effect on public health guidelines, noon at the UC Center Sacramento on K Street.

By: ALEXEI KOSEFF AND CATHERINE DOUGLAS MORAN

Via: http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article26824324.html

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article26824324.html#storylink=cpy

When given a chance to live a "normal," crime free life...

Learning about Prop 47 and being a part of Time for Change Foundation’s Get Out the Vote campaign, has made my understanding of my role in the community a whole lot clearer. Since being released from prison in September 2014, I have been engaged in many activities that have given me so much insight and knowledge that benefits me and others who are going through the same struggles that I am facing.

I came to Time for Change Foundation in October 2014 on parole, not knowing that in less than 6 months I would have gained so much knowledge, understanding, and accomplishments. I recently attended the Future of Elections 2015 Conference in Sacramento to learn a broader perspective of how we, the community, can make a difference and achieve greater outcomes on future elections.

I was able to get a better understanding on how and why it is so important to vote and be up to speed on campaigns, elected officials, bills and laws, and who the players are in our community. So even though I am not able to vote, being that I am on parole, I still feel that it is my responsibility to be sure that those around me are up to date with information and are voting in California Elections. Also reaching out to the public by phone banking, door to door flyers, to be sure that the community is registered to vote and helping them locate their voting polls so they can go vote.

As a repetitive felon it feels impossible to find a well paying job and even harder to keep one that will provide for me and my family. So Prop 47 gives me hope that I, and others who are going through the same situation,  can live “normal” crime free lives with attained employment. I am so grateful for and inspired from all the useful information that I am now aware of.

                                                                                                              
DeeLysa Harper 
February 24,2015

Your Vote Matters!

Absentee ballots have dropped and we want to remind you to get out the vote!

You are not invisible and together we can change things for the better!

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4th!

Polls are open from 7 am - 8 pm

If you are not registered to vote you can register online at www.registertovote.ca.gov

Join Take Action California and Celebrate National Voter Registration Day!

Take Action California wants you to join us to celebrate National Voter Registration Day. A day where eligible voters across the nation can register to vote and make their voices heard!

Today we're taking a stand with people like Diane who has been in and out of prison a majority of her life. "I vote because I can and because I know my vote counts!"  She now votes at every election and is always encouraging others in her community to do the same!

Help us spread the word so that everyone in California knows that their voice matters. Together, we can make a difference!

You can vote in California if you are:

- US citizen

- California resident

- At least 18 years of age on election day

- Not in prison, on parole, or serving a state prison sentence in county jail

- Not found by a court to be mentally incompetent

You CAN vote if...

- If you have a felony

- Are on probation

- Are on Mandatory Supervision 

- Are on Post Release Community Supervision

To register to vote online visit:

http://registertovote.ca.gov/

Get Out Your Vote Today!

After months of campaigning, tens of millions of dollars in outside spending and plenty of hand-wringing over whether turnout would reach a new low, California's 2014 primary election is finally upon us. 

Across the state today, voters (though probably not very many of them) will be selecting the top two candidates for eight statewide offices, 100 legislative seats and 53 congressional races, as well deciding the fates of two propositions and countless local initiatives, county supervisor positions and judgeships.

Capitol Alert will be bringing you results, analysis and video all night long on sacbee.com. Check back for complete coverage after the polls close at 8 p.m.

via: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2014/06/am-alert-voters-head-to-polls-for-primary-election.html

Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2014/06/am-alert-voters-head-to-polls-for-primary-election.html#storylink=cpy

Last Day to Register to Vote!

Today is the last day to register vote before the June Primary Election! You can register by visiting your local county registrars office or register online here. 

If you are already registered please encourage your friends and family to register!

You can vote early, vote by mail, or vote on election day... but however you vote, remember that your voice matters!

To view this years candidates click here.