Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and Faith Leaders Join "A Count You Can Trust" to Help Voters Cast Their Ballots With Confidence Ahead of Election Day

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson joined California Community Foundation President and CEO and A Count You Can Trust Co-Chair Miguel A. Santana, along with leaders from Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), today at Church One Ministries in Long Beach to share facts about how the Los Angeles County election works to encourage eligible voters to vote with confidence.

With Election Day on Tuesday, speakers reminded voters that they can return their ballots to an official drop box or vote in person at any vote center in Los Angeles County. They also emphasized protections in place to help voters cast their ballots safely. State law prohibits harassing or intimidating voters within 100 feet of a vote center, a ballot drop box, or anyone waiting in line to vote. Voters who see suspicious activity at a drop box can report it at report.lavote.net.

“Every resident deserves to feel safe exercising their right to vote and confident that their voice will be counted,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “I recognize that some families are navigating real concerns about safety and uncertainty in our communities. Those concerns should never become a barrier to participating in our democracy. As mayor, I want to make sure Long Beach residents have the information they need to understand their voting options, know where to turn with concerns, and feel confident in the process. Make a plan to vote, look out for one another, and allow our election workers the time and space they need to ensure every eligible ballot is accurately counted.”

To help voters get to the polls, Long Beach Transit is offering free rides on all bus routes on Election Day, along with free rides for eligible Dial-A-Lift customers.

The city was joined by members of A Count You Can Trust coalition, a countywide, independent, nonpartisan public education campaign that does not support or oppose any candidate, party, or ballot measure. The coalition aims to provide clear, factual answers at every stage of the election process, from voting and ballot verification to counting, any recounts or challenges, and final certification.

“Every eligible voter deserves to exercise their right to vote, safely and without fear,” said Miguel A. Santana, President and CEO of the California Community Foundation and Co-Chair of A Count You Can Trust. “No one has the right to question you about whether you are eligible to vote. That is not their job, and it is against the law. Every eligible vote deserves to be counted. Every voter deserves to understand how.”

Faith leaders and community organizations shared ways to help neighbors make a voting plan, find official information, and understand what happens after they cast their ballot. Clergy emphasized using the trust within their congregations, while the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) highlighted its Immigrant Political Power Project, which provides voter education to new citizens, Latino voters and English learners across Los Angeles County. The League of United Latin American Citizens was also in attendance to share a message of solidarity ahead of the election.

“As faith leaders, caring for our neighbors extends beyond the church doors,” said Bishop William Todd Ervin, Senior Pastor of Church One. “An accurate count takes time, and as counting continues, we can help our congregations and neighbors understand the process and encourage them to follow updates from reliable, trusted sources.”

“To our neighbors who are eligible to vote: You should not have to be afraid to exercise that right,” said Oscar Zarate, Director of External Affairs at CHIRLA. “Spanish-language, or any other language, ballots and voting assistance are available. You can ask for help in Spanish at a vote center. Language should not stand between you and your vote.”

“We are here in solidarity and community to let our families in the Greater Long Beach area know that we have your back,” said Tonia Reyes Uranga, President of the League of United Latin American Citizens – Long Beach Chapter 3309. “My message to the Greater Long Beach Area is do not hesitate to vote, we have eyes out there ready to assist you. And I say loud and clear, your vote is your voice, and we are ready to be heard.”

Election night is when the count starts, not when it ends. Los Angeles County has until December 3 to finish verifying and counting every eligible ballot and certify its results. The California Secretary of State then certifies results for state and federal offices by December 11.

Voters can find vote center and drop box locations, hours and official instructions at lavote.gov, and learn more about how Los Angeles County elections work at acountyoucantrust.org.

About Mayor Rex Richardson

Rex Richardson is a husband, father, and the 29th Mayor of Long Beach, California. Mayor Richardson’s history in Long Beach is grounded in empowering communities to have a seat at the table. Mayor Richardson has a distinguished record of public service. He serves on the Advisory Board of the United States Conference of Mayors and, regionally, is Chair of the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency. Richardson has previously served as President of the Southern California Association of Governments. Mayor Richardson and his wife, Dr. Nina Richardson, are proudly raising their two young daughters, Alina and Mila, in the North Long Beach community.

About A Count You Can Trust

A Count You Can Trust is an independent, nonpartisan coalition of Angelenos, launched as an initiative of the California Community Foundation, that shares fact-based information about how Los Angeles County elections work. The coalition does not support or oppose any candidate, political party, or ballot measure and is not affiliated with the official county elections office. Learn more at acountyoucantrust.org.