By Stephen Oduntan
Contributing Writer
LOS ANGELES — California Secretary of State Shirley Weber is urging voters to cast their ballots early in the Nov. 3 election, saying the state’s voting procedures remain unchanged despite efforts by the Trump administration to impose new restrictions and obtain sensitive voter information.
Speaking during an Oct. 8 virtual media briefing organized by American Community Media, Weber said Californians can continue to vote by mail, return ballots at secure drop boxes or cast ballots in person. She also addressed concerns about election misinformation, potential voter intimidation and political disengagement in underserved communities.
The briefing came amid disputes between California officials and the Trump administration over election procedures. Federal efforts to obtain voter registration records and change mail-ballot processing have faced setbacks in court, while state lawmakers have approved additional safeguards intended to protect voters and election workers.
Weber, a Democrat seeking reelection against Republican Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner, rejected allegations of widespread election fraud, saying there was no evidence supporting claims of massive fraud in California.
“The president is misinforming the public,” Weber said when asked about President Donald Trump’s repeated allegations of election fraud.
Weber also addressed concerns that federal immigration agents could appear at polling locations, advising voters who fear intimidation to use secure ballot drop boxes rather than vote in person. She did not confirm whether immigration agents would be present at voting locations.
Those concerns are particularly pronounced among voters of color. A September national survey by UC San Diego researchers found that 49% of Black respondents and 45% of Latino respondents expected intimidation from immigration agents at or near polling locations, compared with 11% of white respondents.
Responding to a question from The Wave about Black voter participation in South Los Angeles, Weber expressed frustration with residents who believe elections have little influence on their lives, arguing that disengagement weakens their ability to shape decisions affecting their communities.
“Your vote is as powerful as mine if you use it,” Weber said.
She emphasized that elections give residents an opportunity to demand better representation and address disparities in education, economic opportunity and access to resources.
“This is your voice, this is your chance. This is your opportunity to have some self-determination,” she said.
Weber drew on her family’s history of disenfranchisement, saying her grandparents died before passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 without having had the opportunity to vote. She said her office has worked with churches, community organizations and historically Black fraternities to encourage participation, particularly among younger and older voters.
The secretary of state’s race also reflects broader disagreements over election administration. Wagner supports stricter voter identification requirements and has advocated greater federal involvement in reviewing voter rolls, positions Weber opposes.
Californians have until Oct. 19 to register through the regular voter registration process. Eligible residents who miss that deadline can still register conditionally and cast a ballot through Election Day.
Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by county election officials by Nov. 10 to be counted. Ballots returned in person must be delivered by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Weber encouraged voters to make a plan, return their ballots early and contact election officials if they encounter problems or have questions about their voting rights.
“Do not let anyone keep you from voting,” she said.
Stephen Oduntan is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers.
