This column was contributed by Francisco Diaz, County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. BenitoLink invites all community members to share their ideas and opinions. By registering as a BenitoLink user in the top right corner of our home page and agreeing to follow our Terms of Use, you can write counter opinions or share your insights on current issues. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
As we approach the upcoming elections, many voters are choosing mail-in ballots for their convenience in participating in the democratic process. However, the timing of when these ballots are returned is crucial for ensuring timely and substantial election results on Election Day.
Historically, about 60% of mail-in voters submit their ballots on Election Day. This means that, on that critical day, we may only be able to report results for approximately 40% of the total votes cast — including in-person votes. This limited reporting can lead to delays in final results and uncertainty regarding local contest outcomes.
When such a large portion of ballots is returned on the same day, this influx can result in significant delays in reporting, preventing voters from receiving timely information about election outcomes.
While we encourage voters to drop off their ballots in person, we strongly recommend doing so early. Returning your ballot ahead of time not only assists the election office in managing its workload but also helps ensure timely release of vote counts. Everyone wants to know the results as soon as possible.
Our election staff is fully equipped to handle the workload, with 40 team members ready to check signatures, scan envelopes, open ballots, sort them, and count the votes. They are prepared to ensure that your vote is counted accurately.
Returning ballots early benefits both voters and election officials. When ballots are submitted in advance, election offices can process them more efficiently, resulting in faster results and fewer delays. This efficiency ultimately strengthens the integrity of the election.
If you plan to drop off your mail ballot, please visit our website for information about the eight drop boxes available in the county. Additionally, our election office is open from 8 AM to 5 PM until Election Day.
By encouraging voters to return their mail ballots early, we can help ensure that more votes are counted ahead of time, allowing for a smoother and more efficient election process. This will help foster greater transparency and trust in our electoral system. As we move closer to the election, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of early ballot returns for the overall integrity of the election.
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