Fresno County sees steady turnout as voters cast ballots in California primary

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Voters headed to the polls Monday in California's primary election, with dozens lining up at the Fresno County Election Headquarters as officials reported a steady turnout.

"I recommend other people to come in and drop off their ballots right here in front of the Post Office," voter Fermin Aguilar Sales said. Clerk and Registrar of Voters James Kus said turnout is higher compared to recent primary elections.

"The participation rate in Fresno County is actually up this election over recent primary elections, not by a tremendous amount, but enough to be noticeable," Kus told Action News.

The ballot includes races ranging from local city council seats to congressional contests.

The race for governor alone features more than 60 candidates.

Election officials are reminding voters to carefully review their ballots before submission.

"It is still just 'vote for one.' So, we have had a few voters let us know they had marked sometimes two or even three. And, unfortunately, that means their ballot, their vote for that single race, won't be counted," Kus said.

As voters return their ballots, officials are noting a change involving the U.S. Postal Service, which no longer postmarks envelopes on the day they are received.

In many cases, officials warn it may be too late to return ballots by mail.

"If you go into the office and get that postmark by someone, by a human right there in front of you. Please do not put your ballot into the blue U.S. Postal Service (box)," Kus said.

Instead, Kus is urging voters to use designated white county ballot drop boxes.

Some voters said they chose to deliver their ballots in person to ensure they were counted.

"Better to give it directly to the actual office, you know, the county office," voter Okey said.

With Election Day approaching, Kus said the county expects to process most ballots within days.

"I do anticipate that we're going to be able to work through the ballots that we receive through Tuesday (by) this week or by very early next week and have about 95 percent of all of our ballots done, we hope, by next Tuesday," he said.

Officials also noted that same-day voter registration will be available at polling locations, though the process may take additional time.

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