Two well-known California public servants, Xavier Becerra and Anthony Rendon have been appointed by the UCLA Voting Rights Project (UCLA VRP) to advise on strategy and policy related to preserving voter access and protection. UCLA VPR, a project of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs — in collaboration with the UCLA School of Law — is focused on creating an accessible and equitable system of voting for all Americans through impact litigation, research, and clinical education to expand access to the ballot box. “I am proud to join the UCLA Voting Rights Project to defend every American’s right to vote,” said Becerra who served as California’s attorney general from 2017 to 2021, and later U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary. Rendon, Speaker of the California Assembly from 2016–2023, has been appointed as senior public policy advisor. Throughout his speakership, Rendon championed legislative efforts to reduce barriers to voting, increase civic participation, and promote equity in representation. In his new role, he will help shape the UCLA VRP’s policy response to voter suppression efforts and develop proactive strategies to expand voting access at the state and national levels. “California has proven that we can broaden voter access and strengthen democracy at the same time,” Rendon said. Matt Barreto, professor of political science and faculty director of the UCLA Voting Rights Project, said that Becerra and Rendon’s experience defending civil rights at the highest levels will be invaluable in protecting the constitutional right to vote for every single Californian.
