Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Voter Registration Exceeds Expectations

by Tina Tedesco

Sacramento, CA -- The number of registered voters in California has exceeded 16 million for the first time in more than three years, according to the Secretary of State's latest Report of Registration.

The report includes data gathered 15 days before the June 3 statewide Primary Election.  It also reflects updates to voter registration rolls, including the removal of registrants who have passed away, moved out of state, or have been determined to be ineligible to vote, as well as the addition of new registrants. 

California now has more than 16.1 million voters, an increase of more than one million voters since the close of voter registration before the statewide primary four years ago.

The percentage of eligible voters who are registered to vote also has increased from 68.95 percent in 2004 to 70 percent now.  The last time California had 16 million registered voters was in early 2005.

"This unique election year is inspiring Californians to register to vote in numbers we haven't seen in years," said Secretary of State Debra Bowen, the state's chief elections officer.  "Many people are already focused on the November presidential election, but I hope these newly energized voters remember the June primary and turn out in large numbers Tuesday."

You can see the latest report, including a breakdown of registrants by party, by clicking here.

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