Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder-Registrar Kristin Connelly told ABC7 News that mail ballot returns are “way down” and that she expects in-person voting to rise about 50% from its usual level of roughly 10% of voters. Richmond Confidential reported that the county expects in-person voting to grow from nearly 10% to about 15%. In 2024, about one in nine voters cast a ballot in person.
The county is projecting turnout of about 75%, compared with 56% in 2022 and 66% in 2018, according to ABC7. Richmond Confidential reported that trust in the U.S. Postal Service has fallen from 71% to 58%.
Results could be slower
ABC7 reported that results could take longer this year. The state provided $29 million for counting equipment, voters can fix signature problems on their ballots until the day before Thanksgiving, and counties have 30 days to certify results.
A quiet, wet morning in Richmond
Between 10:30 and 11 a.m., roughly 10 people voted at the Nevin Community Center in Richmond, Richmond Confidential reported. Poll workers said they had a small rush in the morning but that turnout had been slow, which they blamed on the rain. They expected a lunch rush and longer lines after work. Voter Hector Mendez said he voted for Claudia Jiménez for mayor because she “understands Richmond.” Outside El Cerrito del Norte BART, three people canvassed for the Regional Transit Measure.
Related: the county's response to a Justice Department demand about ballots.
No results had been released when this story was published. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m.