The Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America is openly sharing a guide that encourages volunteers to help voters cast and hand in their ballots immediately.
This method, often referred to as ballot harvesting, is legal in California but generates a fair bit of controversy.
The guide, named “How to: How to Deliver Your Ballot,” has been available since May 2022 and includes detailed steps for volunteers. It explains how to collect completed mail-in ballots from voters and deliver them on their behalf.
Interestingly, the guide suggests that volunteers should engage voters by asking if they want to vote right away and to press them to respond if they seem hesitant.
“Do you want to vote now?” is a question the guide recommends asking multiple times.
Moreover, it advises volunteers to reassure voters, suggesting they fill out their ballots immediately to avoid having them “lost in the mail.”
An example script emphasizes urgency: “We want to make sure your ballot doesn’t get lost in the mail or at your city hall.”
The guide instructs volunteers to gather the necessary signatures and place all ballots in envelopes after they’re filled out.
It’s emphasized that volunteers should fill out the identification section on the envelope, designating their relationship to the voter as “volunteer.” Once ballots are collected, they must be returned to a canvass leader or dropped into an official ballot drop box.
While California law permits voters to have someone return their ballots, critics argue it can lead to undue influence on the voter. Supporters counter that the practice helps boost turnout among those who struggle to return their ballots themselves.
While visiting various locations with significant numbers of registered voters, interviews revealed many individuals were aware they were registered to vote but had little recollection of who helped them register or where their ballots were now.
One person interviewed was Don Garza, a disabled military veteran residing on Skid Row since 1999. He expressed dissatisfaction with frequent voter registration drives in the area, stating, “We’re tired of it. We don’t want people coming in and deciding elections and taking advantage of us.”
Garza mentioned that many homeless individuals find themselves registered while applying for public benefits, often without fully understanding the process.
As California grapples with the implications of its election laws, concerns from figures like Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton suggest that such practices align with broader issues regarding vote-gathering in the state.
Hilton expressed that the Democratic Party has been preparing for this moment and raised alarms about taxpayer-funded organizations involved in voter registration. He believes that this system supports the collection of ballots, making its consequences apparent.
Amid ongoing scrutiny of California’s voting system, including a recent interest from federal prosecutors for potential reforms, supporters of ballot harvesting argue that it is sanctioned by law and has been utilized by a variety of political organizations.
