Sanders Supporters Sue To Extend Voter Registration In California

Supporters shout and wave signs as Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks at a campaign rally Sunday, May 8, 2016 in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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Supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) have filed a lawsuit seeking an extension for voter registration in the June 7 presidential primary in California, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.

William Simpich, the attorney that filed the lawsuit, told the LA Times that California voters are confused about the primary process in the state. He said that many voters who are not affiliated with a political party are not aware that they can still vote in the open Democratic primary.

In the lawsuit, Simpich calls for California officials to launch a public awareness campaign to educate California voters on the rules for the presidential primary by March 31, the deadline for requesting a mail-in ballot. The lawsuit also asks that the deadline for registering to vote be extended until June 7, the day of the primary.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of two voters in the Bay Area, as well as the American Independent Party. The Voting Rights Defense Project, a group supporting Sanders, is also listed as a plaintiff, according to the LA Times.

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  1. Suing to force California, on the eve of their Primary, to spend money doing the job of the Sanders Campaign?

    Makes PERFECT sense.

  2. A few months ago I remember that when Trump said or did something totally disgusting I thought that now he can’t get any more Trumpish. I was wrong. And now, every day, I think Bernie can’t get any more Bernie-ish, and again, every day, he proves me wrong.

  3. The George Wallace AIP?? We aren’t picky about who we choose for bed buddies, are we Senator?

  4. In the lawsuit, Simpich calls for California officials to launch a public awareness campaign to educate California voters on the rules for the presidential primary by March 31, the deadline for requesting a mail-in ballot. The lawsuit also asks that the deadline for registering to vote be extended until June 7, the day of the primary.

    Unless things have changed in the Golden State in the decade since I left, the “education” you seek can be found in the Voter’s Guide Pamphlet mailed to all people registered to vote. The rules are there, in black and white. Jeeziss, people, what are you expecting? California is one of the best in the nation at informing its citizens of the laws, rules of the parties, who is on the ballot, the initiatives, what each one means, how it affects the budget, who is endorsing who and what, etc. Here in Virginia, ZILCH – we get NO voter pamphlet ever. Try opening up and reading your Voter Pamphlets, for dog’s sake.

  5. Avatar for pshah pshah says:

    William Simpich, the attorney that filed the lawsuit, told the LA Times that California voters are confused about the primary process in the state. He said that many voters who are not affiliated with a political party are not aware that they can still vote in the open Democratic primary.

    And why is this the responsibility of the Democratic Party?

    Not to mention it’s a private entity not subject to general election rules.

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