As of Monday, there had been about 2,000 mail ballots returned to the San Benito County Elections Office. That represents about 9 percent of the local citizens eligible to vote by mail, County Clerk Joe Paul Gonzales reported to the board of supervisors Tuesday.
Gonzalez also reported that for the first time in county history, local registration had surpassed 30,000 voters before the November election.
The 30,000-plus in registered voters is more than just under 29,000 registered voters before the June election, Gonzalez said.
In total, among the 30,000 registered voters, over 22,000 voters — or 74 percent — are registered to vote by mail or live in all-mail precincts.
“So that leaves 26 percent of the voters who are now strictly polling place voters,” he said.
Gonazlez in giving an update before the Nov. 6 election also told county board members there is poll worker training Saturday and Sunday, one session at 9 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. each day.
Finally, Gonzalez mentioned this is the first time the county will use a new system for the voter roster.
“We believe this is going to greatly enhance voter security and will also enhance the ability to determine whether a voter is in the right polling place and those kinds of things,” he said.
Elections clerk: 9% of mail ballots returned as of Monday
