CAL.Regulation
California expands Voting Rights Act to bar voter-suppression policies
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1164 (Chapter 338, Statutes of 2026) on September 19, 2026, revising the California Voting Rights Act of 2001. From January 1, 2027, no political subdivision or state agency may implement, impose or enforce an election policy or practice that results in, or is likely to result in, voter suppression, and no political subdivision may use a method of election that dilutes the vote of a protected class, defined as any race, color or language-minority group.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Governor of California
Key points
- The 2001 act barred at-large election methods impairing a protected class's ability to elect candidates of choice or influence outcomes.California Legislative Information
- The bill adds a freestanding prohibition on election policies or practices resulting in or likely to result in voter suppression.California Legislative Information
- A challenged policy survives only if the body proves by clear and convincing evidence a compelling, particularized interest with no less-disparate alternative.California Legislative Information
- Vote dilution exists where an election method impairs protected-class members' equal opportunity to nominate or elect candidates and another method would mitigate it.California Legislative Information
- Chapter 338, Statutes of 2026, is a non-urgency statute and takes effect January 1, 2027.California Legislative Information
- The bill was signed as part of the governor's 13-bill election protection package.Governor of California
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
California Legislative Information
Governor of California