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.
Following Governor Newsom’s signing of the Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act, Kristin McGuire, Western Regional Director for Young Invincibles, issued the following statement:
“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.
While the 2018 elections saw record turnout for college students, we know that too many young people still struggle with getting the voter information they need, registering to vote, and casting their ballot. It’s past time that California’s colleges and universities get the resources to help their students become an engaged citizen and ensure they’re represented at every level of government.
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.”
Young Invincibles would also like to recognize and thank the following organizations for their leadership and dedication in helping pass the Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act: A Band of Voters, the Hawaii State Conference of NAACP, the Feminist Majority Foundation, March For Our Lives California, Mi Familia Vota, the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition, and the students of Fresno State.