Voter registration deadline approaching

California’s voter registration deadline is just six days away. A record 18.5 million, or about 73 percent of the state’s eligible voters, have already registered.

Secretary of State Alex Padilla expects that number to grow higher before the October 24 th deadline but says registration is just the first step and Californians need to show up at the polls or mail in their ballots.

“Our elections, fair and free elections, free of intimidation are the bedrock of our democracy. Every citizen, 18 years or older, has the fundamental right to register and a right to vote. Nothing should stand in your way and we’re here to make sure that happens for all Californians,” he said.

Starting in 2017, Californians will have the option to register as late as Election Day, according to a law passed in 2012.