Sacramento, CA – The California Democracy Partnership, a powerful group of labor leaders, voting rights advocates, and community organizers committed to protecting and strengthening our democracy in California, today applauded Governor Newsom and legislative leadership’s announcement of tens of millions of dollars in new funding secured for voter outreach and protections to combat election disinformation and support voter participation in the November 2026 elections. 

The California Democracy Partnership released the following statement from Sydney Fang, Policy Director for AAPI ForCE (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Civic Empowerment):

“Election disinformation is a growing threat and tool of suppression, directly attempting to silence voters of color and voters for whom English isn't their first language. As the US Postal Service actively changes the rules on how and when ballots are delivered and received and the Supreme Court’s pending Watson v. RNC decision threatening changes to ballot deadlines, it is even more important that voters have access to clear information on how and when to vote from people they trust. Over the coming weeks, the Partnership will work with election administrators to ensure that these funds are used to activate one of California’s biggest assets to defend our multi-racial democracy: trusted messengers, deeply enmeshed in our communities, delivering timely and accurate voting information. These trusted messengers provide short term support in election years to county Registrar offices that allow them to reach ALL eligible voters with reliable, accurate information. 

“The California Democracy Partnership fought for this funding – and California voters won. Thank you to legislative leaders who fought to ensure voters' access to the ballot box is strengthened through funding this proven program in the state’s 2026-27 budget. 

“Now, California must build on this momentum. Our growing group of racial justice, civil rights, union and community organizations are fighting to pass the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 because every eligible voter in California deserves unfettered access to the ballot box. 

“We look forward to partnering with state and local election administrators to swiftly and effectively use these dollars where they will be best utilized to educate voters and protect the vote. We will also continue  conversations with legislative budget leaders and the Governor about the possibility of additional investments that will protect and strengthen our democracy leading up to November and beyond.”

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Anchored in the belief that our democracy should be by the people, and for the people, the California Democracy Partnership is a growing group of racial justice, civil rights, union and community organizations focused on making sure our democracy works for everyone who calls California home. Learn more about our work and members of the Partnership here.