The California Voting Rights Act of 2026

Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom Sept. 18, 2026.

California Voting Rights Act of 2026

Why Do We Need the California Voting Rights Act of 2026?

Senator Sabrina Cervantes is authoring the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 (CVRA 2026)—composed of Senate Bill 1164 and Senate Bill 1360—a proposed update to the original CVRA that was signed into law in 2002. The purpose of CVRA 2026 is to fight voter suppression and vote dilution in light of the Supreme Court of the United States eroding the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as well as improving language access assistance to limited-English proficient (LEP) voters in California.

Recent polling has shown that two-thirds of California voters believe American democracy is under attack and expressed overwhelming support for state lawmakers to strengthen voter protections. The California Voting Rights Act of 2026 is an answer to that call to action.

What Are the Specifics?

Prohibit Voter Suppression

Confront threats to voter participation and access to voting opportunities that occur through discriminatory barriers to the ballot.

Prohibit Vote Dilution

Protect against district maps or election systems that weaken or silence the voting power of historically disenfranchised communities.

Stop Voting Discrimination Before It Occurs

Require jurisdictions with a recent history of discrimination to obtain approval from the Attorney General before making certain changes to voting practices.

Ensure Voters Can Directly Protect Their Rights

As voters’ ability to use the federal VRA comes under attack, ensure Californians can go to state court to enforce voting rights.

Guarantee the Federal VRA’s Language Assistance Requirements Under State Law

Codify in state law language access assistance services currently required by Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, which is set to expire in 2032.

Expand Upon Existing Section 203 Language Coverage

Expand language assistance service coverage beyond what is currently required by Section 203 to include additional language groups.

Streamline and Clarify the Steps for Language Groups to Receive Assistance in Voting

Gives groups not adequately captured in the Census the opportunity to show, through other sources, that they should qualify for language assistance.

Voices

California will not stand by while a right-wing majority of the Supreme Court tries to rob Californians of their sacred right to vote. The California Voting Rights Act of 2026 ensures that democracy not only endures but flourishes in our Golden State. Thank you to Governor Newsom for reaffirming California’s place as a guardian of voting rights in the United States.

— SABRINA CERVANTES
Senator, District 31

Two decades ago, California stepped up to protect voters and today our state is stepping up again in the face of unprecedented federal attacks on our democracy. For years, the California Voting Rights Act has provided critical protections beyond those in the federal Voting Rights Act. But as we confront unrelenting efforts by the federal government and bad actors here at home to disenfranchise voters and undermine access to the ballot, the need for action is unmistakable. The CVRA of 2026 sends a clear message: California will not stand by while the fundamental rights of its voters are threatened. The California Democracy Partnership is proud to help strengthen access to the ballot box and ensure that communities have the power to defend their votes for generations to come.

— HECTOR VILLAGRA
Vice President of Policy Advocacy and Community Education, MALDEF – Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund

We applaud the Governor for signing SB 1164 today. This historic legislation is a victory for California voters and residents. Protecting voters from discrimination and vote dilution is fundamental to a healthy democracy—and essential to ensuring that all 22 million registered voters in California can have confidence that every vote counts. At a time when the federal government is working to suppress voting, intimidate voters, and instill fear in communities of color across the state, this bill sends a clear message: California will not be intimidated. We will continue to stand against unlawful policies that threaten to undermine free and fair elections. We must do better as a country. SB 1164 provides a roadmap for protecting voter integrity and ensuring that every eligible vote is cast and counted.

— ANGELICA SALAS
Executive Director, Coalition for the Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles

People marched, bled, and died for the right to vote and for the promise of equal political voice. Those rights were won through generations of struggle against discrimination, and they can never be taken for granted. At a time when federal voting rights protections are being stripped away, Senator Cervantes had the vision to author the California Voting Rights Act of 2026. The legislation strengthens our ability to fight voter suppression, vote dilution, and discrimination, while protecting and expanding language access. By signing it into law, Governor Newsom makes it clear that California will not allow hard-won voting rights to be erased.

— DORA ROSE
Deputy Director, League of Women Voters of California

At a moment when the federal administration is working to destroy voting rights, California must do everything in its power to protect our democracy. Making the ballot language-accessible to every voter and ensuring every voter will cast it free from discrimination are important steps toward ensuring every Californian has a meaningful say in the decisions that shape their lives.

— MIKE YOUNG
Executive Director, CA Environmental Voters

Today is a victory for working people and for every Californian who believes their voice should count. Trump and his allies know that stripping working people’s right to vote is the only way they can hold onto power as their agenda for higher costs, endless wars, and family separation becomes more and more politically toxic. With the CVRA of 26, California is fighting back to protect our freedom to vote, our values, and our right to choose the future of this nation. Standing up for our right to vote means access to ballot materials in the languages we speak, and the right to cast our ballots freely, safely, and equally. The CVRA of 26 comes at a critical time and cements California’s status as the nation’s leader in protecting our freedoms and democracy. We applaud legislators for standing up to those seeking to silence us and are proud to stand hand-in-hand with Governor Newsom as he signs them. And we will continue standing together in our union to ensure every eligible voter’s voice is heard this November and every election that follows.

— ARNULFO DE LA CRUZ
President SEIU California

Generations before us fought to make voting as easy and accessible as possible for all eligible voters; the CVRA of 2026 helps strengthen voters’ ability to meaningfully participate in our democracy. This legislation will help communities across California defend their right to vote, from expanding access to in-language voting materials to stronger protections against voting discrimination. The ACLU thanks Senator Cervantes, the Legislature and the Governor for their leadership to protect access to the ballot and strengthen voting rights in California.

— DAVID TRUJILLO
ACLU California Action Executive Director

State VRAs are a powerful, popular, and practical solution to address voting discrimination, with 78% of voters supporting these bills nationwide. To enact four in one year is emblematic of the extraordinary momentum Californians and others across the country are creating in the fight to restore, expand, and protect the foundational right to the franchise. The Legal Defense Fund applauds California’s leaders for protecting all voters, pushing back on federal threats to voting rights, and responding to the disastrous Louisiana v. Callais Supreme Court decision by expanding the Golden State’s first-in the-nation State VRA. We especially thank Senator Cervantes for her steadfast work in championing the CVRA of 2026 legislative package. Right now, we are fully focused on safeguarding Black political power and protecting free and fair elections. We truly appreciate the leadership these states are demonstrating in enacting State VRAs to protect all voters from efforts to intimidate or suppress full participation in our elections.

— JANAI NELSON
President and Director-Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense Fund

Governor Newsom has a long record of fighting for democracy, and today marks a major milestone in his eight years by signing this landmark legislation authored by Senator Sabrina Cervantes. At a time when federal voting rights protections are being weakened, California is making clear that it will stand firmly on the side of voters. This law will not only expand access to election information and ballots in the language voters use, but it will also help communities challenge barriers before they cause harm and protect voters whose political power is diluted by unfair maps or election systems. The Voting Rights Project was proud to support this effort to make voting more accessible to every single Californian. We will continue working across the state through research, advocacy and litigation to protect access to the ballot and ensure every eligible voter can make their voice heard. In particular, we congratulate Senator Cervantes on being a steadfast champion of democracy and equal access to the ballot, through her numerous bills now signed into law.

— Dr. MATT A. BARRETO
Faculty Director of the Voting Rights Project

While federal voting protections are being attacked from every angle, California is cutting a different path by enshrining ours into state law. The CVRA protects and expands Californians' access to the ballot at a time when most Americans feel disconnected from their democracy. It also offers a roadmap for other states to follow suit and ensure every eligible voter can make their voice heard.

— DARIUS KEMP
California Director, Common Cause

We applaud Governor Newsom for signing the California Voting Rights Act of 2026. Amidst the barrage of authoritarian attacks on our communities and our democracy, the CVRA of 2026 is a welcome balm for all of us who are building a multi-racial, multi-lingual democracy. Together, SB 1164 and SB 1360 ensure that California affirms the voter protections that our ancestors fought to win.

— SYDNEY FANG
Policy Director, AAPIs for Civic Empowerment (AAPI ForCE)

California’s actions today will matter far beyond our borders. At a moment when federal voting protections are being undermined left and right, our state is showing what real leadership – and a democracy – should look like: giving voters stronger tools to fight discrimination, protecting access to the ballot, and ensuring representation for a diverse electorate. For the Asian Law Caucus, that includes enhancing AAPI and immigrant voters' access to in-language information so they can fully and equally participate in our elections. We’re grateful to Senator Cervantes, Governor Newsom, and our partners in the California Democracy Partnership for making these protections law.

— AARTI KOHLI
Executive Director, Asian Law Caucus

Black Californians understand the importance of protecting their voting rights. For more than six decades, the Voting Rights Act has provided Black voters with a legal avenue to challenge district maps that diminish their influence. By enacting the California Voting Rights Act of 2026, Governor Newsom solidifies this protection in state law. We're actively mobilizing across California through November 3, ensuring Black residents feel empowered and that our communities maintain their political power.

— KRISTIN NIMMERS
Policy & Campaigns Manager, Black Power Network

This country has struggled and fought to expand the right to vote. And we've seen that progress come under threat. But California isn't backing down and is playing a powerful role to ensure the right to vote is accessible to all. SB 1360 expands protections and ensures language is not a barrier to participation in our democracy.

— RAMLA SAHID
Executive Director, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA)

At a time when voter suppression is rising and voter protections are dropping all across the country, California has a chance to mark a proactive, progressive path. The CVRA of 2026 is one of those bills that can become a real legacy for all Californians. In signing it, Gov. Newsom has shown real leadership.

— AARON ROBERTSON
Senior Director of Coalitions at Catalyst California

By the Numbers

2/3

of California voters believe democracy is under attack

22.9M

of California‘s 26.9 million eligible adults (85%)^* were registered to vote as of 2/2025.

*Source: Poll from Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies

Who Is Supporting the Bills?

CVRA 2026 sponsor, California Democracy Partnership, is a growing group of civil justice, voting rights, and labor organizations. Advocates celebrated Tuesday’s advancement of the CVRA 2026 out of the Senate but noted there is much more work to do before the bills reach the Governor’s desk.

AAPIs for Civic Empowerment
Asian Law Caucus
ACLU California Action
California Common Cause
California Environmental Voters
Catalyst California
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
Inland Empire United
League of Women Voters California
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans
Power California
SEIU California
UCLA Voting Rights Project
Black Leadership Council
California Clean Money Campaign
California Domestic Workers Coalition
California Federation of Teachers (CFT)
Courage California
Dolores Huerta Foundation
Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP)
Starting Over
Vietrise

What Can You Do to Support the Bill?

Show your support. Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about the importance of voting.

Contact Senator Cervantes’ Office

View the full list of my 2026 legislative package.

Why Do We Need the California Voting Rights Act of 2026?

Voices

By the Numbers

What Can You Do to Support the Bill?

SD31 Offices

Capitol

Riverside

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