Eric Swalwell says Californians should be able to vote by phone after launching gubernatorial bid

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: Democratic Rep Eric Swalwell, who recently announced his bid for California governor, said on Sunday, November 23, that Californians should be able to vote using their phones in elections.

He made the statement during his first TV news interview since announcing his gubernatorial campaign. He told CNN's Elex Michaelson, "I want us to be able to vote by phone".

Eric Swalwell claims people are already voting by phone 'all over the United States'

Eric Swalwell continued, "Yeah. If we can do our taxes, make our healthcare appointments, you know, essentially do your banking online, you should be able to vote by phone. Make it safe. Make it secure, but it‘s actually already happening all over the United States."

He added that his goal is for California to do more than "just a little better" than red states when it comes to voting.

"I want us to max out democracy. Also, as it relates to democracy, if you wait in line for 30 minutes or more, if you do want to vote in person, I think you should fine every county for every minute that a person has to wait longer," the California governor candidate said. 

He also mentioned that he hopes to modernize the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) so people will no longer have to show up in person for visits.

Interestingly, many states have experimented with online voting earlier. West Virginia tried mobile voting in 2018 and allowed overseas residents to vote by app during the midterm elections.

The nonprofit organization Mobile Voting Project has since then launched 21 voting pilot programs across seven states, including Utah, Colorado, South Carolina, and Oregon. 

Interestingly, these mobile voting programs have been limited to certain counties or local elections, and often served overseas voters.

Eric Swalwell announces run for California governor

Eric Swalwell announced his candidacy for California governor on Thursday during an appearance on the late-night show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'

He said during the show, "This great state needs a fighter and a protector, someone who will bring prices down, lift wages up. So I came here tonight, Jimmy, to tell you and your audience that I’m running to be the next governor of California."

Interestingly, Swalwell’s announcement came shortly after billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer entered the crowded field vying to succeed Gavin Newsom.

Swalwell rose to prominence through his clashes with President Donald Trump. He also briefly sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination and later served as a House impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment trial.

Moreover, he served for eight years on the House intelligence committee, including the CIA subcommittee, and was a key Democratic voice on national security and election interference issues.

Apart from these, he is also a founding member of the Future Forum caucus aimed at representing young voters in Congress.