I, Debra Bowen, Secretary of State of the State of California, hereby certify that this guide has been prepared in accordance with the law.
Witness my hand and the Great Seal of the State in Sacramento, California, this 10th day of March, 2014.
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—just one of the useful tools for learning more about what will be on your ballot and how this election works.
Information about candidates and measures unique to your region is available in your county sample ballot booklet. And for even more details about the electoral process—including how to check your voter registration status, where to vote, or whether your vote-by-mail ballot was received—visit www.sos.ca.gov/elections or call my toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE.
Voting is easy, and every registered voter has a choice of voting by mail or in a local polling place. The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot from your county elections office is May 27. On Election Day, polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
There are more ways to participate in the electoral process.
This guide contains titles and summaries of state ballot measures prepared by Attorney General Kamala D. Harris; impartial analyses of the ballot measures and potential costs to taxpayers prepared by Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor; arguments in favor of and against ballot measures prepared by proponents and opponents; text of the proposed laws prepared and 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 David Gerald “Jerry” Hill.
It is a wonderful privilege in a democracy to have a choice and the right to voice your opinion. As you know, some contests really do come down to a narrow margin of just a few votes. I encourage you to take the time to carefully read about each candidate and ballot measure—and to know your voting rights.
Thank you for taking your civic responsibility seriously and making your voice heard!