Secretary of State Alex Padilla is calling on the public to share their ideas for increasing voter participation, using the hashtag #BoostTheVote.
"The turnout in last November’s election was a historic low for California. We can do better. That’s why I’m asking for your help," Padilla said in a video released Wednesday. Turnout for registered voters was just 18 percent. Typically, turnout reaches into the 30s or 40s.
Ideas can be shared on social media or at http://www.alex-padilla.com/. Dozens of commenters already have weighed in on Padilla’s website. Ideas include weekend elections, all vote by mail, and making Election Day a state holiday.
In his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Padilla said improving voter participation was one of his top priorities, along with making it easier to start a business in California, and protecting voting rights.
