Roughly six million ballots, about 26% of registered voters, have already been returned statewide, according to Political Data Inc.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With just hours until polls open, counties across California say they are ready for what could be a busy Election Day, despite having only weeks to organize a special election that’s drawn unusually high attention.
“It was a sprint to get to where we are right now because we had such a short amount of time to put the election together,” said Sacramento County spokesperson Ken Casparis.
Casparis said about 35% of Sacramento County voters have already cast ballots, a strong showing for a surprise special election. He expects a flurry of voters on Election Day, especially with fewer in-person vote centers open than in regular elections.
“There are fewer places for people to go vote, and a lot of people do wait till the last minute to vote,” Casparis said. “If you are going to go vote in person, expect to wait a little bit in line.”
In neighboring San Joaquin County, Registrar of Voters Olivia Hale said her team is fully staffed and ready. About 25% of ballots have already been returned.
“Everything is going wonderful in San Joaquin County,” Hale said. “It did feel a little rushed, but I think overall we had everything we needed to get it done successfully. And our staff has done a wonderful job.”
Hale encourages voters not to wait until the last minute to mail their ballots, noting that some postmarks might be delayed if ballots are sent late.
“Whatever method you choose, if you do go to the post office on Election Day, make sure the postal carrier stamps that for you so that you have your postmark,” she said.
Statewide, roughly six million ballots, about 26% of registered voters, have already been returned, according to Political Data Inc.
Political analyst Steve Swatt said turnout will be crucial, especially as Proposition 50, the only measure on the ballot, has taken on unexpected political weight.
“You would think in a non-election year with only one measure on the ballot that it wouldn’t be much of a draw for a lot of people, but this really has become a draw because it has been so polarizing,” Swatt said.
Swatt said the measure has turned into a referendum on former President Donald Trump and could serve as a political yardstick for Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has paused fundraising in the final stretch.
“This is a pretty big yardstick for him as he moves forward and as we all sort of expect, he wants to run for president,” Swatt said. “He has amassed a list of donors for Proposition 50, nearly half of those donors have come from out of state.”
Counties expect a surge of in-person voters on Tuesday. Anyone who encounters issues is urged to contact their local elections office.