Differing Views on Advancing Diversity & Racial Justice

Earlier this Summer, President Biden issued a sweeping Executive Order, which advances diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility or “DEI&A” initiatives throughout the federal government. With a stroke of the pen, Biden has positively impacted practically every area of federal employment, including hiring policies, training, leadership development, and employee pay and benefits. As leaders in the civil rights and business community who prioritize DEI&A, we applaud the President for taking this next step to address unconscious bias and attract, develop, and support a federal workforce that truly represents our nation. By issuing the order, Biden is directing each agency head to “…take steps to implement or increase the availability and use of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility training programs for employees, managers, and leadership.” DEI&A initiatives and training make governments, businesses, and organizations stronger. Surveys show that 67% of job seekers consider workplace diversity an important factor when considering employment opportunities. Sixty-one percent of employees believe diversity and inclusion strategies are beneficial and essential. If the federal government wants to attract and retain the best talent, it needs DEI&A training and programs with all deliberate speed. Bias in policymaking–whether systemic or unconscious–has historically resulted in adverse outcomes for communities of color and other marginalized groups. From immigration legislation to healthcare policy to education, programs need to be designed and implemented with an eye toward how they will affect all citizens, regardless of their race or economic circumstances. According to the White House, overcoming bias in public policy around wages, housing credit, lending, and access to higher education could amount to an additional $5 trillion in gross domestic product in the American economy over the next five years. Unconscious bias experts cite, and numerous studies demonstrate that not addressing unconscious bias leads to high

Leading By turnover, low morale, less innovaExample — tion, increased legal risk, and lessBiden’s Anti- effective teams.

Bias Without question, making federal

Executive service more accessible and fairer

Order to diverse groups is the right thing to do; it is also better for our economy and our democracy. Fact is a diverse, inclusive, creative, and productive federal workforce best reflects the face of the nation at home and abroad. Whether trying to devise solutions to fix the housing crisis or ensure access to broadband technology, it also ensures a range of unique perspectives is incorpo- Derrick Johnson rated into innovative and public-focused services and solutions the government provides to the American people. Similar conclusions can be made in the private sector. In 2017 Harvard Business Review/University of Chicago study estimated that corporate employee disengagement and alienation cost companies between $450 and $550 billion per year. That is why many corporate leaders prioritize best-in-class, science-based anti-bias training from the C-Suite to entry-level employees. If America is going to continue to lead the world by the power of our ideas, as President Biden has said, we must go a step further and lead by the power of our example. Our nation deserves nothing less. Derrick Johnson is President and CEO of the NAACP and Michele Ruiz is CoFounder and CEO of BiasSync

Headlines From Africa

According to a new report from The Washington Post, America's corporations have committed "at least" $49.5 billion to the cause of "racial justice" since the George Floyd murder last year riveted our national attention on race. This amounts to a little over $1,100 for every Black man, woman and child in America, or from another perspective, about $16,500 for every Black household earning $25,000 or less. But we're not talking about corporate America, despite their deep concern for racial justice, just simply giving black Americans cash. As much as they undoubtedly care about these Black citizens, they would never trust them to just take the money and spend properly. These corporate executives nationwide have concluded that they can justify taking a huge chunk of their shareholders' funds – an amount equal to the entire economy of the state of Alaska – and spend it in a way that will produce more racial justice. It is reasonable to ask why they believe they can achieve this. It goes against all experience we have had with government. The federal government has been spending trillions since the war on poverty began in the 1960s – $20 trillion, by some estimates – and the incidence of poverty over these years has hardly budged. Apparently, these corporate executives feel they have some insight that has eluded politicians all these years. A large percentage of these funds is earmarked for loans and investments in housing and business loans. According to the report, $28 billion flows from a pledge by JPMorgan Chase to move 40,000 families into home ownership over the next five years. But, again, special loans and grants to encourage minority home ownership are nothing new. Government has been doing this for years, causing more damage than good. Most should recall that we had a major financial crisis in our country in which we saw a collapse in financial markets in 2008 that was the worst since the Great Depression.

According to research at the American Enterprise Institute, this collapse was driven by the bursting of a highly inflated bubble in housing prices, the result of widespread deterioration in lending standards driven by government affordable housing goals and mandates. Black citizens, who these government programs were designed to help, were disproportionately hurt when housing prices collapsed as a result of the plethora of bad loans. The great mystery is why the principles that made and make our country great are nowhere to be found in the various ideas and programs being promoted with this vast sum of funds. Why have so many in corporate America signed off on left-wing dogma that Star Parker American principles – principles of protection of life, of liberty, of property – are the problem rather than the solution? A healthy portion of American Blacks are doing very well because of these American principles. Per the Census Bureau's recent annual report – Income and Poverty in the United States, 2019 – a larger percentage of Black households, 29.4%, were earning $75,000 or more than the percentage earning $25,000 or less, 28.7%. Those left behind need liberation from government control of their lives. Less government-created ghettos from federal housing programs, more freedom from failing schools and broken government entitlement programs such as Social Security. I started promoting the idea 25 years ago of releasing low-income earners from the Social Security payroll tax and allowing them to invest those funds in a personal retirement account. Back then, the Dow Jones Industrial Average stood at 10,000. Today, it stands at 35,000. The very naysayers I heard back then are the ones bleating today about unfairness and the wealth gap. Rather than betraying the tradition of free enterprise capitalism that built corporate America, America's corporations should be promoting these values. This is the path to more prosperity, more justice, for all Americans. Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. For more about Star Parker, visit www.creators.com.

Corporate Social Justice Programs Don't Work

A look at current news from the continent of Africa

Burundi: The long-awaited trial for the murder of Thomas Sankara, who was assassinated in a coup that returned exiled former president Blaise Compaore to power, has been set for October 11. Compaore and 13 others were charged by a military tribunal in the death of Sankara, who had been dubbed by some as the “African Che Guevara”. Congo: The UN Children's Fund has warned that a resurgence of Bubonic plague in Ituri province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is putting children at risk. Poverty, conflict and displacement are contributing to the return of the centuries-old illness for the first time in more than a decade. Ethiopia: The United States imposed new sanctions over Ethiopia’s deadly Tigray conflict as hundreds of thousands of people face famine conditions under a government blockade the U.S. has called a “siege” and fighting spreads into other parts of the country.

Ivory Coast: The Ministry of Health confirmed the country's first cases of Ebola since 1994.

Ghana: Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has launched a multi-agency initiative designed to increase domestic revenue mobilization, broaden the tax net and ensure compliance with tax obligations. The initiative is envisioned as a major effort to block leakages and raise domestic revenue mobilization in order to address the economic challenges arising from the pandemic.

Liberia: The U.S. has warned Liberia that America and some of Liberia's major partners may withdraw their support to the energy sector if they fail to stop the widespread power theft that is crippling the sector. 8 Kenya: The government has set aside $300 million to the National Safety Net Program, which offers finan-

cial assistance to the elderly and needy in the country. Officials say the program—which covers 1.3 million households— demonstrates the nation’s commitment to reducing poverty as articulated in “Kenya Vision 2030”. Nigeria: As the government has been unable to halt the troubling string of abductions for ransom, many schools have been forced to close due to the risk of kidnapping. More than 1,000 students have been forcibly taken from their schools according to the police. While most have been released, at least 200 are believed to be still held by their abductors. Rwanda: Government officials announced plans to recruit 9,418 teachers for primary and secondary schools, as well as head teachers for the coming academic year. The initiative will also help get teachers for classrooms that have been built in order to reduce student congestion and reduce the ratio of students per teacher. South Africa: South Africa’s ruling African National Congress has been forced to scale back its L.A. Focus/ September 2021 campaigning ahead of upcoming municipal elections because it has run short of cash. As it seeks to reclaim control of several major cities that it lost to the opposition five years ago it will lean more heavily on social media and door-to-door campaigning. Uganda: The government has disclosed plans to enact a law that will regulate the way in which Ugandans use social media which will also punish persons who spread fake and illicit information. Zimbabwe: The UN has condemned the practice of child marriage in Zimbabwe after a 14-year-old girl— who was allegedly forced out of school and into marriage at age 13— died while giving birth at a church shrine. Her death was only exposed after it was revealed the church was allegedly offering the teen’s nine-year-old sister as a replacement to her "husband." Outrage over the case has brought back into the spotlight the scourge of child marriages in the country, especially among indigenous religious sects.

Crenshaw Mall Sold, Activists Say Battle for Black Ownership Is Far From Over New Car Prices Hit Record High

On Friday, August 20th, time ran out on activists and community groups seeking to stop the sale of the Crenshaw Mall with word of its sale to the Beverly Hills-based, Harridge Development Group.

The news was met with anger and outrage by those seeking to have black ownership of what has long been considered as a cultural landmark, and who over the last year and a half have worked to thwart the deals of two previous developers who sought to acquire the 40-acre mall that includes retail and specialty shops, a cinema complex, museum, dining and an Albertson’s supermarket.

“We, the community, believe in our own self determinism,” said Pastor William Smart, President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Los Angeles. “We want to determine who builds in our community. Late last Friday, the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall was quietly purchased by developer David Schwartzman, President and CEO of Harridge Development Group in a deal that included just five percent black ownership. How can that happen in our community in 2021?”

For Downtown Crenshaw co-founder Damien Goodmon, that answer is simple.

“The only reason corrupt and racist Schwartzman was able to buy our Black mall is because he was provided special treatment that Downtown Crenshaw was never afforded,” Goodmon said in a statement.

“Downtown Crenshaw did everything that was asked of us despite repeated gamesmanship by the public pension funds and Deutsche Bank/DWS. We outbid Harridge and submitted a fully-financed offer of $115 million with more favorable terms. We secured the backing of missionaligned financial partners, who want to see our community uplifted not uprooted. We engaged in a historic fundraising campaign where we raised $28 million in philanthropy in just two weeks.

City officials seem to be taking a hands off wait-and-see approach as the dust has hardly settled on plans for the property that straddles both the eighth and tenth districts, coupled by the fact that there are many approvals that have to take place before the actual development gets underway.

No immediate changes will be made to the property, according to a press release announcing the purchase.

“We have a long history of successful real estate development in the City of Los Angeles, and look forward to working alongside community-based groups, neighborhood associations, civil rights organizations, merchants, neighboring property owners, businesses and local government leaders to implement a successful reinvigoration of the Property with the mall remaining as its center”, said Harridge CEO David Schwartzman.

A website featuring project updates is said to be in the works. In the meantime, those like Ayuko Babu, co-organizer of the Pan African Film Festival held annually at the mall, remain in the dark about the sale.

“I don’t really know what’s happening,” said Babu. “I believe that the mall should be in the hands of the community, but now that it’s been secretly sold, that may be an uphill battle.”

The battle, activists contend, is far from over.

“Purchasing the property is one thing, receiving community support to move forward is another matter and we are prepared to oppose the project moving forward,” Smart said.

“Ultimately, the sale of the Crenshaw Mall is far from final,” Goodmon stated. “It is going to be litigated in the courts and reviewed by oversight bodies. In addition to Downtown Crenshaw evaluating our many legal options, we are aware of at least four lawsuits that are currently being discussed by public pension fund members, civil rights organizations, and another qualified Black bidder that was passed over.

“With over 2,300 members and the support of over 300 community groups we have built a movement that will continue to fight for community control of our Crenshaw Mall.”

Biz News Briefs

If you’re thinking about buying a new car, you might want to think again considering that as with everything else, costs are way up. In fact, the Kelley Blue Book reported in June 2021 that the average transaction price for a light vehicle in the United States was $42,258. That’s up 6.4% ($2.527) from the year before and up 2.2% from just one month earlier.

Edmonds, an online resource for auto inventory and information, reported the average down payment on a $40,000 car last December as $4,734 with an average monthly payment of $581 at a 4.6 APR over 70 months.

That, of course, leaves the option of a used car, the sales for which at the close of 2020 averaged in the range of $27,000. Even wholesale prices for used cars sold at auction are up 26%.

Credit low stock and high demand for the record high sticker prices. Job losses and a record number of people working from home led a 30% decrease in auto sales last year with many dealerships closing or limiting services. Ironically enough the demand for new cars is peaking as new car production was down the first quarter of 2021 while dealerships were getting back up to speed and supply was increasing.

It's a perfect storm," Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist for Cox Automotive told CNN Business. "If you're not willing to pay near sticker price, there's someone behind you who is. These issues will be with us through at least the rest of this year."

Meanwhile, here is Carfax’s list of the most affordable new cars of 2021: Chevrolet Spark $13,400 Mitsubishi Mirage $14,295 Nissan Versa $14,980 Hyundai Accent $15,395 Kia Rio $16,050 Kia Soul $17,490 Kia Forte $17,890 Subaru Impreza $18,795 Hyundai Veloster $18,900 Hyundai Venue $18,750

In what is one of her latest business ventures, tennis superstar Serena Williams inked a deal with Zales Jewelers as the exclusive retailer for Serena Williams Jewelry. Williams themed collection (“It’s Your Turn to Play) is comprised of designs that reflect her style and inspire self-confidence. The 60 distinct designs of rings, bracelets, necklaces and errings–priced from $129 to $9,999–comprise three sub-collections dubbed “Unstoppable”, “Believe to Be Great” and “Queen of the Court.” “We are extremely excited to work with Serena Williams. She’s truly an inspiration and an icon,” said Jamie Singleton, president of Zales in a statement. “Each design embodies her striking yet playful style, and we are thrilled to bring Serena’s signature aesthetic to our customers, giving them another avenue to express themselves and connect with the energy that Serena emits.” Williams also recently unveiled a collection of women's athleisure wear, streetwear and accessories, created by a group of 10 up-and-coming designers known as the Serena Williams Design Crew, or SWDC. The group is part of Nike’s “diversity in design" apprenticeship program, which seeks to elevate designers of color who are

Serena Williams underrepresented in the fashion design world.” Prices range from $20 for a pair of socks to $230 for a tennis tote Pacts With Zales for bag. Jewelry Collection

Allyson Felix’s Next Frontier

Allyson Felix, who last month became the most decorated woman in Olympic track–with a record 11 medals– recently announced a deal with Athleta for a fashion line that would include training gear. The products released in this include sweatshirts and pants along with tights centered around training. Earlier this year, she debuted her own brand called ‘Saysh’…Meanwhile, fellow Olympian, Sydney McLaughlin, who won the Olympic gold in the women’s 400m hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics and was Felix’s partner in the 4x400m hurdles race, has landed a collaboration with New Balance for a footwear and apparel collection. McLaughlin says the line is a depiction of her own personal style.

The California Comeback Plan

The California legislature recently passed the $100 billion California Comeback Plan and in it, there are billions of dollars in cash relief for small businesses. “As California businesses emerge from survival mode and embark on various stages of re-opening, now is the time to develop strategies that can help companies get the jumpstart they need and grow in innovative ways,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Designed to provide support for small businesses to recover from the pandemic. CalSavers, a free individual retirement account (IRA) for small business employers, can help small business owners rehire employees laid off due to the pandemic. The Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant fund, valued at more than $2 billion, has been providing grants of up to $25,000 to small businesses sand non-profits across the state. California is home to 4.1 million small businesses, representing over 99% of all businesses in the state and employing nearly half of the state’s total workforce. About 1.2 million of them (29%) are minority-owned. Earlier this year, Gov. Newsom delivered immediate relief to small businesses, including a historic $6.2 billion tax cut for businesses -- the largest state small business tax cut in the history of the United States, according to the governor’s office.

Byron Allen’s Media Empire Adds Ten TV Stations

Last month, Byron Allen’s media empire expanded to include ten local TV stations in midwestern markets in a deal valued at $380 million. AMG (Allen Media Group) will use the stations to populate content on Local Now, the company’s free streaming service with content, and help promote it locally. The acquisition marks more than $1 billion in investments by Allen's company in the last two years, raising AMG’s national profile to just under 5% of U.S. television households.

In support of the campaign to stop the recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom, over 90 influential Black leaders in education, religion, politics and civil rights joined together for press conference, moderated by Lateefah Simon, a Bay Area-based women’s and civil rights activist. Each voiced their support for the governor and shared why they intend to vote ‘no’ on the recall. “We come together today as African American leaders because we understand the danger before us. We understand this is a right wing move and we’re not going to let it happen,” said U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA-37). “We can’t get confused by Larry Elder. I don’t care what he looks like. We know Larry Elder very well in Los Angeles. He has built his career on attacking black leaders.” Congresswoman Lee echoed Congresswoman Bass’ support for Newsom. “We know that the health of our children, our neighbors and our communities depend on Governor Newsom’s leadership. He’s been there for us, and we will be there for him,” she said. California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond shed light on unprecedented education spending Newsom helped make a reality in the state. “Our governor has given our schools a $123-billion budget for education. A record budget. It includes funding for broadband, mental health, community schools, universal meals for all kids, universal pre-school for all 4-year-olds, COVID tests, PPE and anti-hate. We don’t recall governors who do good things for African

Americans and for all people. We say ‘no’ to the recall.” Malia Cohen, member of the California State Board of

Equalization, called Black women to action, stressing that the recall election is especially urgent for women’s rights. “If we lose Governor Newsom, we are losing our reproductive rights, we are losing our opportunity

to have a champion that has been helping us fight the fight for child support and helping us lead the way for universal Pre-K. This is a human being that is an ally.” “Governor Newsom has been there for us,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed “He has been active and reached out to us on so many different levels and what I don’t want to do is to go backwards and stopped the progress we have been making. “More importantly, Gavin Newsom has been an amazing supporter and friend to African Americans — not just in his capacity as governor but when he served here as mayor of San Francisco,” Breed continued. Newsom, who joined the call, expressed his gratitude for the support from the group, while expressing his continued commitment and reiterating the plans he will continue to champion as governor, including putting women in positions of power, building on economic and workforce development strategies for minority communities, and reforming the public education system in California. His most candid moment came during a brief question-and-answer session near the end of the meeting in responding to a question posed to him by California Democratic Party Black Caucus chair Taisha Brown about his agenda for Black Californians once the election is over. “This is a point of passion for me. This is a point of pride that I didn’t just come to the issues of the African American community in the last six months since this recall became real,” Newsom said. “This has been the cause a good part of my life... I look forward to continuing this work hopefully for many years to come when we defeat this recall.” Leading the pack of those seeking to replace Newsom –elected with 62% of the vote in 2018– is conservative L.A. Focus/ September 2021 talk radio show host and political firebrand, Larry Elder. Ballots were mailed out last month and are comprised of two parts. The first— and most important—will ask voters to vote yes or no to the recall. If more than 50% of those who vote, say no, Gavin Newsom remains as Governor. The second question on the ballot is who voters select as a replacement for Newsom in the event that more than 50% vote yes to the recall. In that case the highest vote- getter becomes the next governor of the state of 10 California.

KISHA SMITH

Staff

This is a point of passion for me. This is a point of pride that I didn’t just come to the issues of the

African American community in the last six months since this

recall became real.

This has been the cause a

good part of my life. I look forward to continuing this work hopefully for many years to come when we defeat this

recall.

Governor Gavin Newsom Larry Elder

Education: Signed into law legislation giving a record $123.9 billion to California schools, to fund a new transitional kindergarten grade for 4-year-olds (to create a better education foundation); more opportunities for summer and after-school teaching; free school meals for all students; money for schools to hire more staff; and assistance for students who fell behind with remote learning over the past year. COVID-19 Mandates: Enforced some of the nation’s toughest restrictions throughout the nation, becoming the first state to issue a lockdown. Recently implemented a first-in-the-nation standard to require all state workers and workers in health care and high-risk congregate settings to either show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least once per week and encouraged all local government and other employers to adopt a similar protocol. Also requiring health care settings to verify that workers are fully vaccinated or tested regularly. In March, signed a measure that included a $7.6 billion coronavirus relief package to send direct payments to low-income residents, while also including immediate relief for small businesses.

Crime: Co-sponsored a bill to end bail in California saying that it contributed to over-incarceration and placed a statewide moratorium on executions. Signed a number of bills into law initiating critical criminal justice, juvenile justice and policing reforms, including new limits on police use of force, ending the use of the carotid restraint and requiring the California Attorney General to conduct investigations into officer-involved shootings of unarmed individuals that result in death. Supported Prop 47 which downgraded a number of crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, which critics say has led to a spike in crime, particularly retail theft. Recently signed a bill that cracks down on organized shoplifting and retail theft Homelessness: Originally shelling out $1 billion for shelters and resources aimed at housing the unhoused, he reupped that in the 2021-22 budget to include $12 billion in aid to be spent over the next few years. He’s also provided funding to help the homeless apply for federal disability benefits. He also launched Projects Roomkey and Homekey during the pandemic to secure temporary shelter for 35,000, while funding 6,000 housing units. Affordable Housing: While falling short on his pledge to provide 3.5 million new housing units by 2025, he added $10 billion to the budget this year to boost housing construction. He’s also forced cities to identify new sites for low-income housing, threatened to sue cities that fail to meet building targets and helped pass a law that bars cities from downzoning (changing the zoning of an area to reduce the density of housing. Taxes: Proposed expanding the state’s earned income tax creditwhich can give households up to $2,559 per year, while raising the income level to qualify for the credit to $30,000. He’s also signed legislation that allow undocumented Californians to get the tax credit. On Dianne Feinstein: In the event her seat becomes vacant–though the senator, 88, plans to serve out her full six years–the Governor has said he would nominate an African American woman. Education: A proponent of school choice, Elder often refers to a crisis in urban education in this state, stating, “It’s near the bottom of all the 50 states, 75 percent of black boys cannot read at state levels of proficiency, 50 percent of third graders cannot read at state levels of proficiency.” He would allow the money being spent on education go to the parent who would then have the option to choose a private, public, charter or religious school. “We have those options available for college and graduate school, why it’s a no-fly zone for K-12 is beyond me,” adds Elder who references polls showing that black and brown parents in the inner-city support school choice.” COVID-19 Mandates: If elected, Elder has been clear on his desire to repeal mask mandates and vaccine mandates for state workers. “Protecting the public health is an utmost priority for the governor, but that duty should never be abused to trample on individual freedoms”, Elder has said. “I was vaccinated as soon as I had the chance (I happen to be in the age range that comes with greater risk of complications from the virus). But it is the prerogative of parents to decide whether their children should be vaccinated, and the prerogative of every individual to decide whether he or she will be vaccinated.

Crime: Calling himself a true law and order candidate, Elder says he is committed to reversing cashless bail as well as the "ridiculous defund the police movement.” “I will defend, not defund, the police,” said Elder, who believes anti-cop rhetoric has led to passive policing and subsequently rising crime. “We cannot have safe streets while demonizing the very people who risk their lives every single day to protect us.” Adds Elder, “I will call for the repeal of the inane and devastating Proposition 47, which has given thugs free rein to calmly carry out whatever they want from any store, as long as the stolen goods are worth less than $950 per day.” Homelessness: Elder would declare a state of emergency on homelessness and suspend the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) which he contends allows virtually anyone to stop any project for almost any reason given the environmental regulations which have led to higher home prices. He also believes that homes done by government or under government supervision — cost substantially more than they would if the private sector built them. Affordable Housing: Elder says he would unleash the private sector to build homes for middle class people. “Regulations and laws that benefit a select few have sent home prices soaring. I will repeal those perverse regulations”, Elder said. Taxes: As governor, Elder says he would go to bat to reduce their tax burden Californians and businesses. “More disposable income equals more spending money for ordinary citizens as we reopen our economy”. On Dianne Feinstein: If Dianne Feinstein were to retire during his tenure as governor, Elder would have the power to replace the senior democrat with a Republican and break the 50/50 tie that currently exists in the U.S. Senate in favor of the GOP. In the wake of a flurry of bills passed–around the nation to restrict voter access, California officials have worked to instead expand access to increase voter participation. “To ensure that the outcome of the upcoming recall election reflects the will of the people, Californians have my commitment and that of the Attorney General to protect the right of every eligible voter – regardless of party – to cast their ballot,” said Weber. To that end California Attorney General Rob Bonta urged Californians to review the following ten rights granted to California voters:

1The right to vote if you are a registered voter. If you are a U.S. citizen, above the age of 18, residing in California, and registered to vote, then you have the right to cast your ballot. The exceptions are those who are convicted of a felony and currently in state or federal prison, or found mentally incompetent to vote by a court.

The right to vote if you are a registered voter

2even if your name is not on the list. Even if your name is not on the list, you will be allowed to vote using a provisional ballot and your vote will be counted if it is established that you are eligible to vote.

3

The right to vote if you are still in line when the

polls close. If you arrived to join a line before polls close, then you are entitled to cast your ballot. Just do not get out of line. 4 The right to cast a secret ballot. Who you vote for is your business. And you have the right to maintain the privacy of your ballot without any harassment or intimidation from anyone trying to influence your vote. Even if it’s a poll worker, don’t let anyone interfere with how you vote or persuade you that they need to observe you while voting. 5 The right to get a new ballot if you have made a mistake. If a mistake was made, and you have not already turned in your ballot, ask the election official at your polling place for a new ballot, exchange your mailin ballot for a new one at an elections office or polling place, or use a provisional ballot. 6 The right to get help casting your ballot. You have the right to ask for help, except from your employer or union representative. 7 The right to drop off your completed vote-by-mail ballot at any polling place. This can be at any polling site across the state. 8 The right to get election materials in a language other than English. There are state language access requirements for each county. If enough people in your precinct speak the language, then you have the right to ask for a ballot in that language. Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean, Punjabi, Hmong, Syriac, Armenian, Persian, and Arabic are some of the languages covered in designated counties. 9 The right to ask questions to elections officials about election procedures. If you are unsure about how to proceed in order to cast your ballot, seek the help of an election officer present at your polling place. If that person cannot answer your question, then they must find you the right person to answer your question. 10 The right to report any illegal or fraudulent election activity. If you witness behavior that prevents you or anyone else from casting a ballot, report it to an elections official or the Secretary of State’s office. Election day is every day leading up to Tuesday, September 14. You may return your vote-by-mail ballot at any time, including September 14 at any polling place. · Just drop it in the mail with pre-paid postage. · Make sure you are using a tamper free mailbox that does not appear damaged. · Make sure your signature on your ballot matches the one on your voter registration. If it doesn’t, your county election official will contact you to resolve the issue. If you are in favor of Gov. Newsom remaining in office, vote “no” in response to the first question on the ballot: ‘Shall Gavin Newsome be recalled (removed) from the office of Governor?’ You do not need to answer the second question on the ballot if you would like him to stay in office. If you are in favor of recalling Newsom, vote “yes” to the first question and choose the candidate you want to replace him on the second question. You can also register the same day you vote in-person at a polling place or vote center on Tuesday, Sept.14.