Debra Bowen's Profile In Courage Award

Last year as I watched Debra Bowen being sworn in as Secretary of State I couldn't help but feel this was a momentous achievement in history. As Secretary of State, Debra Bowen would be heading the governmental body in California responsible for overseeing voter rights and the accountability of the State's electoral process. How delightfully appropriate because women represent the largest group of disenfranchised voters in history and now a woman was going to be the chief elections officer for the state with the highest number of registered voters in the nation. Score one for the women's movement and suffragettes everywhere.

Irony aside, Debra Bowen has proved to be the right woman for the job. Debra realizes that the electoral process is fundamental to democracy not only as a constitutional right, but as a personal privilege. Since taking office last January, Debra Bowen has worked to restore confidence and reliability in the voting process here in California. So it should come as no surprise that Debra has been selected to receive the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award along with Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. Debra will be presented the award on Monday, May 12th in Boston. The award is designed to make Americans aware of the "conscientious and courageous acts of the public servants and to encourage elected officials to choose principles over partisanship." Debra is certainly a living tribute to the significance of this award.

Upon taking office in 2006, Debra ordered an independent review of all voting systems in California and immediately limited the use of many electronic voting machines that didn't pass the review. During the presidential primary in February of 2008 the paper balloting for Independent voters came under fire. Debra worked to ensure that each vote that was cast was counted and tallied into the final results. Debra has also added new security and auditing features to the elections process to improve transparency and accountability of the system.

As founder of the CALIFORNIA LIST, I am proud to have endorsed Debra Bowen in her candidacy and wish her warm congratulations on this prestigious honor.

Bettina Duval is the founder of the California List, a political fundraising network that helps elect Democratic women to all branches of California state government.

Comments

[susan20]

A well deserved award for Debra Bowen. Thanks for keeping us informed of the accomplishments of women legislators in California. The California List does a great job in promoting Democratic women who care about womens' issues. Keep up the good work!

[Lindalucks]

I attended the Profiles in Courage award ceremony at the JFK Library on Monday, May 12 and was inspired by CA Secretary of State Debra Bowen's speech on the need for transparency in upholding the US Constitution and the importance of personal courage and integrity. Debra is a shining example of what women legislators can become with the help of other women. Bravo to Bettina Duval for her leadership in assisting California women into elected office. Rep. Hilda Solis, also of California was the first woman to receive the award. Debra Bowen and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner of Ohio, who also received the award this week, were the 2nd and 3rd women recipients.