California's New Voters Share Their Unique Motivations for Casting Ballots

From immigrant families to former inmates and climate activists, new voters in California are driven by personal experiences and pressing issues.

Children of immigrants see voting as a vital privilege, influenced by their parents' struggles and political engagement.
Former inmates view voting as a reclaiming of rights and a personal victory over past systemic silencing.
Young voters emphasize the critical need for climate action, urging their peers to support candidates committed to environmental protection.
Barriers to voting, such as lack of transportation and language proficiency, disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Advocates highlight the importance of policy changes to remove these barriers and ensure broader voter participation in future elections.