Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) is calling for Californians to be able to cast ballots with their smartphones, in what would be a substantial overhaul of the Golden State’s electoral system.
State law requires voters to cast ballots either in person or by mail, though Swalwell signaled on Saturday he wants to modernize that in order to “max out democracy.”
“I want us to be able to vote by phone,” Swalwell said on CNN’s The Story Is with Elex Michaelson. “If we can do our taxes … make our healthcare appointments, you know … do your banking online, you should be able to vote by phone.”
Besides the proposed mobile ballot, the House Democrat also floated unspecified fines for state counties if a voter has to wait in line for over 30 minutes.
The proposals are part of Swalwell’s California gubernatorial bid, which he announced last week on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
SWALWELL ANNOUNCES CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL BID IN KIMMEL APPEARANCE
His entrance in the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), who is term-limited, adds to an already crowded Democratic primary that includes former Rep. Katie Porter and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Some Democratic heavyweights are absent, however, such as Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and former Vice President Kamala Harris, opening the door for any of these candidates to take the governor’s mansion in 2026.
