Prop 50 Election Day Arrives in the Mother Lode
Tuolumne County voters have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to submit their mail-in ballots for the statewide special election on Proposition 50, which concerns potential changes to congressional district boundaries in California that could benefit Democrats.
As of Monday, county election officials reported receiving approximately 16,500 mail ballots. This represents around 45% of Tuolumne County’s 36,473 registered voters, a participation rate notably higher than the statewide average of about 29% at that time.
Despite that, Monday’s turnout remains below the September 2021 recall election of Governor Gavin Newsom, when local participation reached about 73%.
“We could be surprised and everybody shows up, but that doesn’t seem to be the pattern of this election,” said Debi Bautista, a retired county clerk and current election assistant.
Bautista noted that although officials do not expect a large last-minute turnout on Election Day, they are ready for any scenario.
Author’s Summary
Tuolumne County shows strong early voter participation in the Proposition 50 special election, though overall turnout is expected to stay below the 2021 recall levels.