San Rafael, CA – Following Marin County’s trend, more than 80% of local registered voters who participated in the November 5 election voted by mail instead of casting a ballot at a polling station. The percentage was 2% higher than the figure from the 2017 local election, according to Marin County’s Registrar of Voters, Lynda Roberts.
The registrar reported that new voting system equipment worked smoothly earlier this month.Roberts certified the November 5 election on November 21 following a
manual double-checking process to validate the machine count’s accuracy, and posted the official final results. The Marin County Board of Supervisors is expected to accept the Election Department’s final results– during its December 3 meeting.
The local election had 43,486 registered voters of which 17,648 cast ballots, resulting in nearly a 41% turnout. The turnout in this election was nearly identical to the 2017 local election.
The Town of San Anselmo had the highest turnout with over 49% and the Town of Fairfax was next with over 45%. Turnout in Novato Council Districts 1, 3, and 5 came in between 33% and 38%. Reed Union School District ended up with nearly 39% turning out to vote on a special tax measure.
The election marked the first time Elections staff used a new computerized voting system that replaced 20-year old equipment. The County of Marin purchased the same tabulation system that is used in Sonoma, Napa, Contra Costa, and 17 other California counties.
There’s no break for the Elections employees. The March 3, 2020, Presidential Primary Election cycle started on November 12 with the opening of the candidate filing period. It remains open through December 6, or December 11 if an incumbent officeholder does not file for reelection.
“The March election will be the first time in 12 years California’s presidential primary comes early, so we expect more interest and a higher turnout,” Roberts said.
The February 5, 2008, presidential primary election was the last time California voted early, and Marin County had a 73% turnout. In the June 2012 and June 2016 primary elections, the turnout was 50% and 68%, respectively.
“Staff was well trained on the new system and everything ran smoothly this month,” Roberts said. “Now that this November election is behind us, we have reassurance and confidence that we have the best system available in place for the March primary and the November 2020 presidential elections.”
More information about the November 5 Local Elections is posted at www.marinvotes.org.
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