Sacramento, CA – Today, SB 1164, one bill in the two bill package that makes up the California Voting Rights Act of 2026, advanced out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee with overwhelming support. The California Voting Rights Act of 2026 will enshrine nation-leading voting rights protections into state law and strengthen California’s democracy. SB 1164 will give all voters an equal opportunity to fully participate in the electoral process without interference.

"The California Democracy Partnership applauds Assembly Judiciary committee members for voting to strengthen voters' access to the ballot box in a moment when voting rights are being threatened by new Supreme Court Decisions. The CVRA of 2026 is California's opportunity to fight back and ensure California’s voters are protected despite the changing federal landscape. We are thankful to Senator Cervantes for authoring this legislation and to her colleagues in the legislature who continue to stand with California voters," said Julia A. Gomez, Senior Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Southern California, a steering member of the California Democracy Partnership.

The California Voting Rights Act of 2026 and SB 1164 contain important provisions to protect voters from voting discrimination:

• Prohibit Voter Suppression: Confront threats to voter participation and access to voting opportunities that occur through discriminatory barriers to the ballot.

• Prohibit Vote Dilution: Protect against district maps or election systems that weaken or silence the voting power of communities of color.

• Stop Voting Discrimination Before It Occurs: Require jurisdictions with a recent history of discrimination to obtain approval before making certain changes to voting practices.

• Ensure Voters Can Directly Protect Their Rights: As voters’ ability to use the federal VRA comes under attack, ensure Californians can go to state court to enforce voting rights.

• Require Courts to Interpret Laws in Favor of Voters: Direct courts to interpret laws and exercise discretion in favor of broad access and equal participation in the democratic process.
  

“As we confront a changing federal voting landscape, it is increasingly crucial that we update California’s Voter Rights Act so that voters are protected from suppression, discrimination, and dilution, whether it's coming from the federal administration or at the local level. California’s democracy is strongest when every voter has an equal opportunity to make their voice heard and this legislation ensures that principle remains protected for generations to come,” said Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), author of SB 1164 and the CVRA of 2026.

SB 1164 now heads to a vote in the Assembly elections committee.

Learn more about the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 here: https://www.cademocracypartnership.org/CAVRA26

Learn more about the California Democracy Partnership here: https://www.cademocracypartnerhship.org

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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.