California Special Election: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
 Tuesday, May 19, 2009 Official Voter Information Guide Official Voter Information Guide

Certificate of Correctness

I, Debra Bowen, Secretary of State of the State of California, do hereby certify that the measures included herein will be submitted to the electors of the State of California at the Statewide Special Election to be held throughout the State on May 19, 2009, and that this guide has been correctly prepared in accordance with the law.

Witness my hand and the Great Seal of the State in Sacramento, California, on this 18th day of March, 2009.

Debra Bowen's Signature and title and the Great Seal of California in gold
The Great Seal of California in black and white with Secretary of State in text below

Dear Fellow Voter:

By registering to vote, you have taken the first step in playing an active role in deciding California’s future. Now, to help you make your decisions, my office has created this Official Voter Information Guide that contains impartial analyses of the law and potential costs to taxpayers prepared by Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor, arguments in favor and against all ballot measures prepared by proponents and opponents, text of the proposed laws proofed by Legislative Counsel Diane F. Boyer-Vine, and other useful information. The printing of the guide was done under the supervision of State Printer Geoff Brandt.

Voting is easy, and any registered voter can vote by mail or at a polling place. The last day to request a vote–by–mail ballot is May 12.

There are more ways to participate in the electoral process. You can:

  • Be a poll worker on Election Day, helping to make voting easier for all eligible voters and protecting ballots until they are counted by elections officials;
  • Spread the word about voter registration deadlines and voting rights through emails, phone calls, brochures, and posters; and
  • Help educate other voters about the issues by organizing discussion groups or participating in debates with friends, family, and community leaders.

For more information about how and where to vote, as well as other ways you can participate in the electoral process, call (800) 345-VOTE or visit www.sos.ca.gov.

It is a wonderful privilege in a democracy to have a choice and the right to voice your opinion. Whether you cast your ballot at a polling place or by mail, I encourage you to take the time to carefully read about your voting rights and each ballot measure in this information guide.

Thank you for taking your civic responsibility seriously and making your voice heard!