California Turnout Today at All-time Low, Vote By Mail at High

image
Author: Bob Morris
Published: 05 Jun, 2012
Updated: 13 Oct, 2022
2 min read

Field Poll out today says turnout in California’s first open primary today will be “the lowest ever recorded in the modern era” with just 35% of eligible voters participating. A record high 55% of votes cast will be done by mail rather than at a precinct voting booth. California allows votes to be cast by mail without restriction and the percentage doing so has grown steadily since the 1970’s. This election marks a milestone: for the first time those voting by mail will outnumber traditional voters.

While voting by mail is certainly more convenient, it also means that candidates need to get their message out earlier to appeal to these voters. Traditionally, candidates have reserved the final two weeks of a campaign for bringing out the big guns. If vote by mail continues to grow in popularity, as the current figures show, then the final fusillade against opponents may start coming earlier and campaigns will be more drawn-out. One possible drawback of vote by mail is that major revelations often come towards the end of campaigns and sometimes cause people to switch their votes. That’s simply not possible if you've already voted.

The disappointing projected low turnout is due to several factors, the Field Poll says. The Democratic and Republican presidential nominations are presumed to be locked up and Sen. Dianne Feinstein has no serious challengers. Hence, interest in the primary beyond those major races is low. Even the two propositions on the ballot, despite heavy spending, have failed to create much buzz.

According to Field, voters are overwhelmingly not confused at all by the new open primary system. This could change in the general election though, when voters are paying attention to the different-looking ballot. There will be no write-ins and only two candidates per seat.

The November general election between President Obama and Gov. Romney will be close and thus generate much storm, fury, and interest. These factors will increase turnout. Yet, a 35% projected turnout in a presidential primary in California is dismal indeed. This is a clear sign that voters want real alternatives to the two parties. Let's hope the new California open primary system will be a major step forward and will help voters to become engaged in the process again.

Latest articles

Trump Trush Social Post on Colbert
Will Politics Kill Late Night TV?
Stephen Colbert’s Late Show is ending after nearly a decade at the top of the ratings. CBS insists t...
18 Jul, 2025
-
3 min read
Ronald Reagan
Just Say No: The Political Hit Job That Killed Cannabis
As cannabis use became more common in the late 1970s, the backlash grew even stronger. A political and religious conservative resurgence was underway after years of liberal ascendancy. That wave would soon bring former California Governor Ronald Reagan to the White House....
18 Jul, 2025
-
8 min read
Political cartoon of a person representing partisanship, unions, the Democratic Party, and Special Interests taking a bite out of New York.
Mamdani, Lander, and Other Partisan Extremists Just Took a Bite Out of NYC’s Democracy
The partisans, unions, and party bosses have won again. Independents, veterans, working people, young people and democracy have lost again. ...
18 Jul, 2025
-
2 min read