As the 2024 general election approaches, California has seen a surge in early voting, with over 5 million ballots already cast. This impressive turnout aligns with the nationwide trend of Americans taking advantage of early voting options.
According to the California Secretary of State's office, as of Wednesday, 5,446,023 votes have been submitted, comprising both in-person and vote-by-mail ballots. This figure represents a significant portion of the state's 22 million registered voters, which accounts for about 83% of eligible voters in California.
The counties leading in vote-by-mail ballot returns are:
- Los Angeles: 999,734
- San Diego: 598,892
- Orange: 499,540
- Riverside: 325,643
- Santa Clara: 264,420
For those who prefer to vote in person, several counties have already seen substantial turnout:
- Los Angeles: 63,796
- Orange: 24,349
- Placer: 7,299
- Santa Clara: 6,628
- Riverside: 6,496
If you're looking to cast your ballot early in California, you have several options:
- Visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov to find a nearby location for early voting.
- You can vote at your county elections office, polling place, or vote center.
- If you're not yet registered, California offers Same Day Voter Registration, allowing you to register and vote on Election Day or in the days leading up to it.
It's worth noting that while early voting is available, the results cannot be shared with the public until all polls close on Election Day at 8 p.m. The first results released on election night typically reflect these early votes.
For those who choose to vote by mail, ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by county election officials by November 12. County election officials then have 30 days to count every valid ballot and conduct a post-election audit.
As the election approaches, California's early voting turnout demonstrates the state's commitment to civic participation. Whether you choose to vote early or on Election Day, your voice matters in shaping the future of your community and the nation.