IRVINE, CA -- Next Tuesday will be the last day to mail in ballots for the Statewide Special Election, and while Democrat Shirley Weber has endorsed the partisan redistricting plan, the least she could do is embrace changes that would restore faith and integrity to our elections.

In this election alone, we have had stories of holes that reveal votes in ballot envelopes, an improperly printed ballot guide costing millions in extra expenses to taxpayers, and hundreds of unmarked ballots stolen. Additionally, there is little doubt that no matter what the result of the election is, the counting process will needlessly go on for weeks after Election Day.

“These are just a few reasons why it’s time to elect a new Secretary of State and why I’m running for this office. People are losing faith in our election system,” said Wagner, who currently serves as an Orange County Supervisor. “With all the rhetoric surrounding the election, one simple reform would guarantee election integrity: Voter ID. Voters want it - Shirley Weber Opposes It. It’s time to embrace the idea that voters need to prove their eligibility before they cast their ballot.”

In addition to support for a Voter ID process, Wagner has supported a list of common-sense election reforms that include:

• The requirement that voters be registered to vote seven days prior to the election;
• The return to the pre-covid system of absentee ballots by request only and the end of mailing ballots to everyone;
• The requirement that ALL ballots (mailed, returned to drop boxes and turned in by person) be RECEIVED by 8:00 PM on Election Day; and, 
• A ban on third-party, mass ballot harvesting.

ABOUT DON WAGNER

As a former State Assembly Member, Irvine Mayor, College Board Trustee, and Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Don Wagner has a distinguished career of public service and a well-earned reputation as a straight-shooter, fiscal watchdog and champion for working families, small businesses, first responders and veterans of our armed services.

Don and his wife, Megan, are longtime residents of Orange County. Don received his bachelor’s degree from UCLA and his Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of Law.

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