California Voter Registration Deadline is May 23

posted on: May 16, 2016

The California primary is approaching, and it is the most anticipated primary left for this presidential election season. California is the most populous state in the country, and is also home to the largest Arab American community. Although the Republican Party has its presumptive nominee – Donald Trump – democrats are still facing the decision to see Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders as their party’s nominee.

June 7 is voting day in California, where millions of registered voters will be able to decide who they want as their party’s nominee. If you are a Californian and are not registered to vote, please do so by Monday, May 23. If you need to change your party affiliation, May 23 is also the deadline. Because some republican voters do not support Trump, they can change their party affiliation to democrat before the primary to vote for either Clinton or Sanders, if they so choose.

Bshara Salem, an Arab American California activist, says, “We should not take this election lightly. We should encourage every member of our community to use his/her vote to put a dent in the way our politicians treat Arab Americans.”

This election cycle has brought forth important discussions on Arab American and Muslim identities in this country, as well as U.S. policy toward the Arab World. Salem urges Arab Americans to vote in California so that their voices can be heard on Arab issues in the future. “Voting is a real power; a vote is worth millions of dollars,” says Salem, so do not hesitate to register to vote.

California also has the most delegates up for grabs. The state has 475 pledged democrat delegates and 73 un-pledged (or “super”) delegates, who are not required to adhere to the results of the primary. Hillary Clinton has already claimed 53 super delegates in California, further distancing Bernie Sanders from the nomination. Clinton only needs 143 more delegates to be the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party, while Bernie Sanders needs 910 delegates. Even if Sanders wins all 475 delegates in California, he will need to steal some of Clinton’s  524 super delegates to stay in the race.

Arab Americans have been extremely active during this election cycle. Californian’s should not let the delegate count deter them from voting in the June 7 primary. Every vote counts and Arab American voices matter.

Californians are reminded to keep this is mind:

1. The deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation is Monday, May 23.
2. You may register online here – but your local registrar still may need to check and confirm your eligibility so do not wait until May 23 to register.
3. To make sure you get registered in time, go directly to your County Registrar of Voters office and register right there. The time is worth your vote.
4. Here are Frequently Asked Questions about registration. If you are unsure, check the facts!  Still unsure? Call your Registrar.

Compiled by Arab America