Media contacts:
Asian Law Caucus, media@asianlawcaucus.org
Common Cause, media@commoncause.org
Voting Rights Groups Launch Largest Voter Support Program in California
Nonpartisan Election Protection program gives voters trusted information and support during the voting process
LOS ANGELES — Common Cause and Asian Law Caucus are launching its 2026 California Election Protection Alliance program to help voters across the state cast their ballots and make their voices heard. Voters who have questions or who encounter problems at any point in the voting process can call or text the nonpartisan 866-OUR-VOTE hotline to get direct, real-time help from election experts.
Leading up to and following Election Day, trained nonpartisan volunteers will support voters on the ground during the voting period; conduct voter outreach; monitor polling places and ballot counting; and work with election officials to identify and resolve problems. The Alliance is part of the country’s largest nonpartisan voter protection effort, which Common Cause and Asian Law Caucus have co-led in the state for over 20 years. For this election, the program is recruiting a thousand volunteers and will deploy observers to more than 30 counties across the state.
“Our state is stronger when all eligible voters can exercise their rights without barriers, intimidation, or fear of interference,” said Deanna Kitamura, Voting Rights Managing Attorney at Asian Law Caucus. “We at the Asian Law Caucus are committed to ensuring this election is fair and free, that’s why our legal experts helped launch the largest nonpartisan election protection effort in the state. With more than 1000 registered volunteers ready to ensure voters can access polling locations, resolve voting issues in real time, and work with officials, the California Election Protection Alliance is dedicated to protecting the right to vote. Our votes have the power to shape our everyday lives, and we are defending access to the ballot so that Californians can have a say in their futures.”
“Every eligible California voter deserves to have the information and support they need to cast their ballot freely and fairly, and Common Cause is here to make sure of it,” said Common Cause’s California Director, Darius Kemp. “Our friendly, nonpartisan experts are here to help voters navigate the process, answer questions, and solve problems if they arise. Voters should save 866-OUR-VOTE in their phones now and know that if they need help making their voice heard this election, the California Election Protection Alliance has their back.”
Key dates and information for California voters:
- Voter registration: After October 19, voters can use same-day registration at vote centers or polling places until polls close on Election Day.
- Early voting: In-person voters can vote at their county elections headquarters starting October 5. Vote centers will open in Voter’s Choice Act counties starting October 24. In-person early voting locations will be open across the state on Saturday, October 31.
- Voting by mail: All active registered voters are mailed ballots starting October 5, which can be returned by mail, at official drop-boxes statewide, or at voting locations. Ballot envelopes must be signed and dated. Voters can track when ballots are mailed, received, and counted through Where’s My Ballot. During the last week before Election Day, we recommend using a drop-box instead of a blue USPS box.
- Election Day: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 3. Voters in line when polls close still have the right to vote and should stay in line until they cast their ballots.
Voters can check their registration, find their polling place, and get additional information about voting in California by visiting CaliforniaElectionProtection.org.
Voters who have questions or encounter problems can call or text the nonpartisan Election Protection hotlines:
- ENGLISH: 866-OUR-VOTE / 866-687-8683
- SPANISH: 888-VE-Y-VOTA / 888-839-8682
- ASIAN LANGUAGES: 888-API-VOTE / 888-274-8683
- ARABIC: 844-YALLA-US / 844-925-5287
The hotlines connect voters with trained experts who can answer questions, provide accurate voting information, and help address problems throughout the voting process.
For additional nonpartisan voting information and resources, visit 866OurVote.org.