Shiloh Marx, founder and director of the California Election Integrity Initiative, announced the ongoing success of efforts to maintain the state's voter rolls, citing significant growth and aiming for further impact by 2026. Marx expressed gratitude for widespread support in an online statement. "Thank you to everyone who has helped support cleaning the California voter rolls," Marx stated in a recent tweet. "We are growing and hoping to continue making an impact that will show in 2026."
The California Election Integrity Initiative, launched in 2025, is dedicated to enhancing election integrity through meticulous voter list maintenance. The organization's core mission involves identifying and correcting discrepancies in voter registration data. This work is conducted in adherence to the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), which mandates states establish procedures for accurate and current voter registration lists.
According to Marx's initiative, these efforts have led to the removal of approximately 3.1 million inactive voters from California's voter rolls. This figure reportedly brings the state's inactive voter totals to their lowest point since 1998. The initiative emphasizes accuracy and transparency in its processes to uphold fair and trustworthy elections.
The initiative has also engaged in legal actions to facilitate its objectives, including lawsuits against county election officials. Marx has received support from legal professionals, including constitutional lawyer Alexander Haberbush, in these endeavors. Furthermore, the initiative is actively working towards implementing an automated, statewide process for the removal of ineligible voters, aiming to streamline current manual procedures at the county level.
Voter roll maintenance is a critical aspect of election administration, with the NVRA requiring systematic programs for removing ineligible voters due to factors like death or change of residence, while also prohibiting purges within 90 days of federal elections. While proponents argue such efforts are essential for election integrity, some critics raise concerns about potential disenfranchisement if not conducted with stringent safeguards. The debate often centers on balancing the need for accurate rolls with protecting eligible citizens' right to vote.
The California Election Integrity Initiative continues to expand its operations, with Marx reiterating the goal of demonstrating a tangible impact in the upcoming 2026 elections. The organization's growth reflects an ongoing focus on voter data accuracy within the state's electoral landscape.