BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) With polls set to open Tuesday to decide which two candidates will advance to the November general election, early voting data shows turnout is lagging slightly behind the pace of California’s 2022 primary.
According to PoliticalData.com, voter participation by mail-in ballot is trailing slightly behind where it was at the same point in the 2022 primary election.
In 2022, 18% of vote-by-mail ballots had been returned the day before the election.
California primary turnout lags 2022 pace as fewer vote-by-mail ballots are returned (Photo: AdobeStock)
This year, that figure stands at 17%.
While the difference is 1%, it amounts to tens of thousands of votes.
Matt Klink, a political expert and owner of Klink Campaigns, said some voters may be waiting to return their ballots because they have not made up their minds.
“The reason why people are holding onto their ballots in the primary election is that they’re still uncertain who they’re voting for,” Klink said.
Klink said that could be particularly true among Democratic voters.
“There is no notable Democratic front-runner, so a lot of voters are still weighing the pros and cons of select candidates,” he said.
California primary turnout lags 2022 pace as fewer vote-by-mail ballots are returned (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Klink also said a lack of endorsement from the Democratic Party could be a factor. While endorsements are not a guarantee that voters will choose a particular candidate, they can still influence decisions.
“It’s a cue or a shortcut that allows people to say, ‘Oh, I like Congressman X-Y or Z, so I’m going to give this person a harder look,” Klink said.
In Kern County, voter turnout is up by 1% compared to 2022, but Klink said statewide candidates have struggled to appeal to voters.
California primary turnout lags 2022 pace as fewer vote-by-mail ballots are returned (KBAK/KBFX)
“But the lack of enthusiasm is why people are holding on to their ballots. They’re looking for a reason to vote for someone,” he said.