MADERA, Calif. (FOX26) — California is seeing a major jump in voter registration, and one Central Valley county is standing out from the rest.
New data from the California Secretary of State shows the state is seeing its largest increase in voter registration percentage since the last gubernatorial election in 2022, with more than 23 million Californians now registered to vote.
The data also shows the percentage of registered Democrats in California has declined slightly since 2022, while Republican registration has increased.
In the Central Valley, Madera County is seeing one of the biggest voter registration spikes in California ahead of the primary election.
According to the Secretary of State’s office, voter registration in Madera County increased by more than 14% compared to the last governor’s race. Merced County followed with a more than 10% increase, while Tulare County saw nearly a 10% jump.
Madera County voter registration statisitcs .png
With Madera ranking among the top counties in California for voter registration growth, FOX26 traveled to downtown Madera to hear directly from voters and residents about what may be driving the increase.
Some people told FOX26 they believe frustration with California’s direction is motivating more people to register.
“We’re already struggling, as it is in California, with gas prices and everything,” said Riley Crumbly.
Others said they believe voting is one of the few ways people can create change in their communities.
“If you want to see a change, you know, obviously vote,” said Elizabeth Garcia.
Peter Rosas, who says he votes every election cycle, told FOX26 he believes more people are paying attention because they want a better future.
“Our country is going in the wrong direction, and people are desperate to get a better way of life, and you have to vote,” Rosas said.
Not everyone FOX26 spoke with had registered yet.
“I honestly did not know it was coming up right now, so I’ve been living under a rock a little bit,” said Kade Church.
Still, Church said he plans to register because he believes voting is important.
“I think that we had people who died for our right to vote, and so we got to take the opportunity that we’ve been given, the privilege to vote,” Church said.
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Others told FOX26 the election comes down to everyday struggles.
“I think we want change. We are struggling a lot with our lives,” said Juan Luis in Spanish.
Pienso que queremos cambiar. Estamos batallando mucho con nuestro vida.
The California primary election is scheduled for June 2.