New California Online Voter Guide for June 3 Primary debuts!

With another statewide election just around the corner, the California Voter Foundation today released its new California Online Voter Guide, providing nonpartisan information on state candidates and measures.

Since 1994, CVF has produced the online guides to help Californians prepare to cast an informed ballot. The guide is now in its sixteenth edition.

This year, California’s primary election was split, resulting in three statewide elections in 2008. The Presidential primary was held in February. On June 3rd, legislative and congressional primaries will determine which candidates face off in the November General election.

The races are highly competitive in a number of districts, with contested primaries in 21 of the state’s 53 congressional districts, 8 of the 20 State Senate districts, and 28 of the 80 Assembly districts.

In addition, California voters will vote on just two statewide propositions this election. However, they are competing measures that address a complicated subject -- eminent domain. To help voters sort it all out, the new online guide provides lists of the top five donors for and against each measure, news articles and links to campaign web sites.

Another factor complicating this election is that the participation rules for nonpartisan, “Decline to State” voters have changed yet again. In the June 3rd election, The Democratic, Republican and American Independent parties will permit nonpartisan voters to participate in their primary elections.

Other resources available in CVF’s guide include a “Voting FAQ”, county-by-county directories of election offices and voting equipment, tips on how to host election house parties, and maps of political districts. The guide also highlights important dates and deadlines, such as the last day to register in order to vote on June 3 (May 19), and the first day voters can request a Vote by Mail ballot (May 5).

CVF’s California Online Voter Guide will be updated throughout the election season. The California Voter Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization advancing the responsible use of technology to improve the democratic process. CVF’s 2008 voter education programs are supported by the Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation.