The June primary election is less than a week away and elections officials all over the state have been gearing up and getting ready. Some election-watchers are predicting a significantly larger voter turnout than we’ve seen recently, based on substantial new voter registration activity and the big ticket contests. County election officers have simultaneously begun spending time and resources validating signatures for initiatives trying to qualify for the November ballot.

This is the first year under a new law that moves petition-driven ballot initiatives to November—thus requiring the signature validation process to overlap the June primary date. The state has set aside an additional $16 million for counties to help defray the costs of doing all this work simultaneously. CSAC is working closely with the Secretary of State and making sure counties are aware of reporting deadlines and the time frame for when money will be in hand.

In the meantime, we thought we’d check in with Sacramento County Director of Voter Registration and Elections, Jill LaVine, to see how she’s been preparing for the primary.

CSAC: We know you’re busy—but, can you describe what these last couple of weeks have been like?

LaVine: These last few weeks have been crazy busy! Our registration is the highest it has ever been, our Vote by Mail voters are the highest we have ever seen. You add in the voters that want to “cross-over” (to a different party) and we have ballots coming and going. In an effort to serve our voters better we have introduced four Voter Service Centers that are open on weekends in our community. Adding to the confusion this election are the state-wide petitions that must have the signatures verified by June 30. The staff is dedicated to this process and is working a lot of overtime to accomplish all that needs to be done.

CSAC: What are you expecting in terms of voter turnout on Tuesday?

LaVine: I don’t predict voter turnout, I am always wrong. My hope is for 100 percent turnout but that never happens. Sacramento has added 40,000 new voters since January and I am hoping their enthusiasm will carry through Election Day and they will vote.

CSAC: We’ve seen a steady increase in Vote-by-Mail voters over the last few cycles—is that continuing? What percentage of Sacramento County voters use the mail?

LaVine: Approximately 63 percent of our new registrations are requesting to be Vote by Mail voters. This number increases every election. However, even though we mail the ballot out, many voters choose to drop it off at one of our drop off locations, at our office or at a polling place on Election Day.

CSAC: The Secretary of state has been talking about the need for new election and voting systems in California. Can you describe Sacramento County’s situation in that regard?

LaVine: Sacramento’s current voting system was purchased in 2004 and needs to replaced. I am looking to go out for a bid so the County can replace the current system in time for the 2018 elections.

CSAC: Anything you want to add? Something Bulletin readers ought to know?

LaVine: Remember even though there are 34 candidates running for US Senate, you can only vote for one.