Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell said Saturday that he wants Californians to be able to vote by phone, outlining the proposal during an appearance on CNN as part of his newly announced campaign for governor.

Swalwell entered the race Thursday during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” joining a field that includes former Rep. Katie Porter and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.

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Speaking with “The Story Is” host Elex Michaelson, Swalwell said he intends to “modernize” state government if elected.

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“I want us to be able to vote by phone. I think every California— ” he began, before Michaelson asked, “Vote by phone?”

“Vote by phone, yeah. If we can do our taxes … make our health care appointments, you know, make, essentially your — do your banking online,” Swalwell said.

“You should be able to vote by phone. Make it safe, make it secure. But it’s actually already happening all over the United States. I want us to be a blue state that doesn’t do just a little bit better than like Georgia or Alabama when it comes to like voting access, I want us to max out democracy.”

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Swalwell outlined additional changes to in-person voting. He said counties should face penalties when voting lines exceed a set limit.

“As it relates to democracy, if you wait in line for 30 minutes or more, if you do want to vote in person, I think you should fine every county for every minute that a person has to wait longer,” he said.

“We have to be better, not just a little bit better than the other states.”

Swalwell’s comments come as he launches his gubernatorial bid after serving multiple terms in the U.S. House.

His candidacy places him among several prominent California Democrats seeking the governorship.

Swalwell has faced scrutiny in the past over his interactions with Christine Fang, who reportedly worked with the Ministry of State Security of the People’s Republic of China.

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Fang was said to have developed ties with several local and national political figures. Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Fang.

On Jan. 24, 2023, then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed him from the House Intelligence Committee, citing the reported relationship.

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