On March 20, 2008, the San Diego Lawyer's Chapter of the American Constitution Society hosted a panel discussion on the Right to Vote at California Western School of Law.

The panel featured California Secretary of State Debra Bowen, San Diego City Councilmember Donna Frye, and Loyola election law professor Rick Hasen. The event was moderated by Norma Damashek, President of the League of Women Voters of San Diego.

Secretary Bowen outlined how legislative and administrative tools can be used to protect the franchise. She discussed a number of initiatives and rules promulgated by her office. Councilmember Frye talked about her own personal experience with her write-in campaign for Mayor of San Diego. Frye also advanced a view that election law ought to be geared toward recognizing the intent of voters. Professor Hasen discussed his recent scholarship and suggested that there should be a role for Federal legislation to mandate uniform election standards across the states.