Millions expected to vote by mail in November

California began sending out vote-by-mail ballots to millions of residents today for the Nov. 4 election, and the state’s top elections official predicted a significant number will be returned.

“Interest in the Nov. 4 election is going through the roof, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a record number of Californians cast ballots,” said Secretary of State Debra Bowen.

While Bowen declines to predict turnout, she said Californians seem extremely interested in the presidential election, with her office processing between 6,000 and 10,000 voter registration cards a day as we approach the Oct. 20 voter registration deadline. More than 4 million Californians are registered as permanent vote-by-mail voters, Bowen said, adding that "tens of thousands more" people choose to vote by mail on a one-time basis.

Bowen said the last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the November election is Oct. 28. More information on voting by mail can be received at the state's election website.

-- Patrick McGreevy

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