SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove) on Aug. 25 introduced Assembly Constitution Amendment (ACA 24), the Right to Vote, a proposed amendment to the California Constitution affirming that no eligible voter can be shut out of a publicly funded election because of their party, or lack of one. The measure is being submitted to the Legislature as more than 5.2 million Californians register with no party preference, roughly 23 percent of the state's electorate and its fastest-growing segment.

The amendment is authored by Nguyen and jointly authored by Assemblymembers Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Martinez), Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), David Alvarez (D-San Diego) and Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park). It is coauthored by Assemblymembers Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey), Alex Lee (D-San Jose), Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), Patrick Ahrens (D-Sunnyvale), Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield), Mike Gipson (D-Carson), José Luis Solache (D-Lynwood) and Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood).

“This is a voter-centered bill, not a party bill,” said Assemblymember Nguyen. “I have colleagues I respect in both the Republican and Democratic parties who may not agree with me on this, and I understand that. But this measure is not about our parties. It is about the voters we all answer to. Every one of them helps pay for these elections, and every one of them deserves an equal say in who represents them.”

Assemblywoman Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), a joint author of the amendment, added, “Democracy works best when every eligible voter has a seat at the table. Our political system should make room for every voice, not create barriers. The right to vote is fundamental, and it should never depend on choosing a political label. ACA 24 is about ensuring every voter has the opportunity to fully participate in our democracy.”

Chad Peace, legal counsel for the Independent Voter Project, said, “The story of this country has been the steady expansion of who gets to vote, and California has been on the right side of that arc. We do not leave independent voters out. This amendment simply puts into words a principle our state already lives by, that the right to vote belongs to the citizen and not to any party, and it makes sure no future effort can move us backward. I am proud that California is again leading on this, and grateful to Assemblymember Nguyen and her coauthors for carrying it forward.”

Amy Tobia, on behalf of More Choice California and organizer for RepresentUS San Diego, said, “Voters across San Diego and across California are tired of being told they have to pick a side to have a say. This amendment is simple. If you are a citizen and you help pay for an election, you should get to vote in it. That is not a partisan idea. It is a basic promise of representation, and it belongs in our Constitution.”