Newsom signs executive order to send mail-in ballots to all registered voters

LOS ANGELES - The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way many of us will vote in the November election.

On Friday, Governor Newsom announced he signed an executive order that will allow every registered voter in California to receive a mail-in ballot.

“There's a lot of concern and anxiety around this November's election in terms of making sure you can conduct yourself in a safe way,” said Newsom, making it clear the mail-in ballot is important given the Coronavirus pandemic.

But the governor also noted it does not serve as an exclusive substitute for physical locations.

Individuals with disabilities, those who don't speak English, individuals experiencing homelessness, and others who may find vote by mail less accessible than in person voting can exercise their right to vote in-person.

Secretary of State Alex Padilla joined the governor by phone at this afternoon's gubernatorial briefing.

“There's no safer, physically distancing healthier way to exercise your right to vote than from the safety and convenience of your own home,” said Padilla.

California is the first state in the nation to commit to sending mail-in ballots to registered voters amid the coronavirus pandemic   

If you need to register to vote, check your voter status or update your information, log onto sos.ca.gov.