Swalwell Calls for 'Vote by Phone' and DMV Modernization in California Governor Bid

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) said Californians should be able to cast ballots by phone during a recent television interview — his first since launching a campaign for governor. Speaking with CNN anchor Elex Michaelson, Swalwell argued that if people can file taxes, schedule medical appointments and bank online, voting should also be accessible by mobile devices.

"I want us to be able to vote by phone," Swalwell said, adding that any system would need to be made "safe" and "secure." He noted that mobile voting is already being piloted in parts of the United States and urged California to "max out democracy" rather than simply do a little better than states with more restrictive access.

Swalwell also proposed penalties for counties where in-person voters face long lines, suggesting fines for every minute a voter waits more than 30 minutes. He said he wants to modernize the California Department of Motor Vehicles so that routine transactions no longer require in-person visits.

Mobile voting pilots and security

Mobile voting has been tested in a limited fashion. West Virginia piloted an app in 2018 that allowed overseas military voters to cast ballots, and the nonprofit Mobile Voting Project has launched pilot programs in multiple states, including Utah, Colorado, South Carolina and Oregon. Those pilots have generally been restricted to specific counties or to overseas and absentee ballots rather than broad statewide elections.

Experts and election officials say mobile voting raises important questions about cybersecurity, voter privacy and auditability. Swalwell acknowledged security must be central to any rollout, and his call reflects a broader push among some policymakers to modernize election access while balancing integrity concerns.

Campaign context

Swalwell announced his gubernatorial bid during an appearance on the late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and has since faced a crowded field. Democratic contenders include former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Rep. Katie Porter and activist Tom Steyer. On the Republican side, candidates include former Fox host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

Swalwell’s proposals — mobile voting pilots, fines for long lines and DMV modernization — are likely to prompt debate over voter access, election security and how best to update public services for a digital era.