It’s a record-breaking election already in terms of voter registration in California and the South Bay, according to registrar officials.
Santa Clara County has surpassed 1 million registered voters, a record and a rate of 83% of eligible voters, according to the county registrar's office. It's a significant increase from July 2016, when the county had just under 800,000 registered voters at a rate of about 67% of those eligible.
Statewide, 84% of eligible Californians are registered to vote, about 3 million more than the last presidential election, according to the secretary of state.
Santa Clara County officials celebrated the milestone with a get-out-the-vote ceremony Wednesday.
"Santa Clara County’s million registered voters is indeed a milestone moment in our diverse community. Now those million registered voters must vote to make their voices heard," said Cindy Chavez, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. "It is easier than ever at our 100 vote centers, where you can drop off a ballot, cast a ballot and register to vote the same day you vote."
All registered voters are mailed ballots with a free postage paid return envelope and will have an option to mail it in, return it at one of 98 ballot drop-off boxes, one of the 100 vote centers throughout the county or at the Registrar of Voters’ office, 1555 Berger Drive, Bldg. 2, in San Jose.
Voter registration continues until the Oct. 19 deadline, and early voting already is underway at the Registrar's Office, along with the preparations for Election Day.
Local
In Santa Clara County, ballots have been mailed to registered voters, who can track those ballots here.
Vote Centers will be open Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can find the nearest vote center or drop box on the Santa Clara County Registrar's Office website.
Health guidelines will be posted inside and outside of the vote centers, and personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable masks, gloves, and self-serve hand sanitizer will be provided for all voters, the county said.
Curbside voting will be available for voters who cannot leave their vehicle or comply with safety procedures.
Even with the record numbers, the push to register voters continues. In East Oakland Wednesday night, one group will hold a get-out-the-vote drive through neighborhoods with low vote counts in other elections.
The caravan is expected to start at about 7 p.m.
