The California polls are closed. And despite some outlets having called the presidential contest less than one minute after polls closed at 8 p.m., votes still need to be counted.
Elections officials described a peaceful and efficient day in the Bay Area’s nine counties. Very few counties reported long lines or any real problems at polling places.
Turnout for in-person voting was down Tuesday, thanks to the massive push for early and mail-in voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The night before Election Day, more than 2.7 million Bay Area voters had already cast ballots.
Statewide, more than 11.2 million of the over 21 million registered voters had already voted. Nationwide, the number exceeded 100 million by Monday evening — almost 70% of the 136.5 million people who voted in 2016.
Santa Clara County reported a running total of 661,000 ballots received by midafternoon on Election Day.
“No long lines; our office has had a manageable line,” said Evelyn Mendez, the county’s public and legislative affairs manager.
Alameda County reported Monday about 581,445 people cast votes before Election Day, which is 60.2% of its registered voters.
Going into Election Day, Contra Costa County had already received 420,000 ballots.
San Francisco ended up receiving 326,786 early and mail-in ballots before Election Day.
Solano County had reported receiving 135,969 total ballots by midday Tuesday.
Officials said voters responded to calls for early voting amid speculation it could take days or even weeks beyond Election Day to finalize results for some races.
Marin County reported more than 130,000 of its 175,220 registered voters sent in ballots by Nov. 2.
Sonoma County processed more than 203,000 ballots by Nov. 2, which accounts for 67% of its registered voters.
San Mateo County received 289,146 ballots by the end of day Nov. 2.
Napa County reported receiving 54,003 votes by 4 p.m. Monday.
Ballots had to be postmarked by Nov. 3 and be received by county elections offices no later than 17 days after Election Day.
Once sent, ballots can be tracked at https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/.
Californians can find answers to most voting questions here.
The voting process varies from county to county. Those needing to contact their county elections office, but aren’t sure how can find the information here.
To keep up with the latest developments and for answers to many election questions, use this website’s Voter Information Hub as a resource guide and contact us if you have feedback or questions.