Dear Editor,

Making voting accessible to everyone is a growing concern that has yet to be fully addressed by Fresno County.

Those individuals who are disabled, who have English as their second language or who are unable to visit the polls the day of the election also have the right to make their voices heard.

The state of California passed the Voter’s Choice Act in 2016, but only five counties — Sacramento, Nevada, Napa, Madera and San Mateo — decided to adopt the act for the 2018 elections.

Under the Voter’s Choice Act, voters will receive their mail-in ballots. 28 days prior to Election Day.

Citizens will have the opportunity to request ballots in their preferred language. The law also requires all participating counties to expand in-person voting early.

This will open more vote centers within the county and will allow voters to drop off a mail-in ballot, get a replacement ballot, update their registration or even register to vote.

I think Fresno County should adopt the Voter’s Choice Act before the 2019 elections.

It would really allow voters to have accessibility to voting and may mean greater voter turnout.

While adopting the act may not guarantee greater voter turnout, it will be a start to promote voting and make the change for future elections.

For more information about the Voter’s Choice Act, please visit:

https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voters-choice-act/about-vca/