LegCon 2026: Secretary Shirley Weber Urges Counties to Defend Democracy and Protect Election Integrity 

With less than two weeks until California voters head to the polls for the primary election, California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber delivered a forceful message at the CSAC Legislative Conference: democracy depends on protecting the people and institutions that administer it. 

In a fireside chat with CSAC President and Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, Weber spoke on California’s elections system while addressing the growing threats and harassment faced by county elections workers in recent years. 

“We will not tolerate any physical attack on any of the workers in our polls,” Weber said. “That in itself is a crime.” 

Weber detailed the state’s efforts to strengthen protections for election workers and maintain public trust in the electoral process amid incidents of intimidation and disruption at polling places across California. 

At the same time, Weber stressed that election integrity is not just about ballot security – it is about making sure every voter receives fair, consistent, and secure service no matter where they live. 

“It means those of us who are responsible have to make sure each one of you gets the same thing out of the service that comes out of our offices,” Weber said. 

Throughout the discussion, Weber repeatedly emphasized the critical role counties play in administering elections and maintaining public trust during increasingly polarized political climate. She encouraged county officials to stay in close communication with the Secretary of State’s office throughout election cycles. 

“We’d rather have you call us and let us help you than find out later something went wrong,” Weber said. 

Weber closed with a broader call to protect democratic institutions and remain engaged in public service. 

“You’ve got to defend this democracy,” Weber said. “Don’t give it up. Don’t give it away. Defend it, protect it, and make it stronger.”