Election workers in Fairfield are working through the first wave of mail ballots ahead of Tuesday's election. About 55,000 ballots had arrived as of Thursday, Registrar of Voters John Gardner told the Vallejo Times-Herald.
"Right now what we're seeing is pretty normal. It's not that different from what we normally have in a gubernatorial election cycle," Gardner said.
Turnout outlook
Based on returns so far and past patterns, Gardner expects 55% to 58% of registered voters to cast ballots by the time polls close Nov. 3. The registrar's website lists 276,261 registered voters as of Oct. 19. At that range, that would mean roughly 152,000 to 160,000 ballots.
Ways to vote before Tuesday
- Drop boxes: Gardner said the county has 28 ballot drop boxes, including one at every county library.
- Curbside drop-off: At some locations you can pull up and hand your ballot to election workers.
- Registrar's office: The office in Fairfield is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. You can vote there, drop off a ballot, or get a replacement if you have moved.
- Election Day: Polling places are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The registrar's site also lets you track your mail ballot through BallotTrax and lists drop box and curbside locations.
A long ballot
Gardner urged voters to fill out their ballots before heading to the polls because this year's ballot is long. He hopes to post the first results, covering mail ballots counted so far, about 10 minutes after polls close at 8 p.m. More updates will follow through the night.
How to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.