Last night, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 963, the Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act (SCVEA), into law. The first law of its kind nationally, the SCVEA gives community colleges and state universities resources to name a Civic and Voter Empowerment Coordinator on each campus, who will be responsible for getting students the resources they need to educate themselves, register to vote, and actually cast their ballot. The Civic and Voter Empowerment Coordinator will then, among other duties, be required to develop a Civic and Voter Empowerment plan specific to their campus.
“Today’s young people are the most diverse generation in history, and they often look to their colleges and universities for support as they develop the skills they need to accomplish their goals and contribute to their communities. New voters also often face their own unique set of challenges when voting for the first time, and may need a little more information or support to help them cast their ballot.
Thanks to the Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act, every campus can now give students a lifeline for questions and support about the voting process. We applaud Governor Newsom and our elected leaders in Sacramento for doing what Congress won’t: stepping up and giving young people the on-campus resources they need to hold their elected leaders accountable.”