Early voting attracting Valley residents to cast ballots
Early voting in Riverside County began Friday and it’s attracting locals to come out and get a head start on doing their civic duty. They will be able to cast early ballots at the registrars’ office, and malls in Palm Desert, Temecula, and Riverside through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In the Coachella Valley, it will be available at the Westfield shopping mall in Palm Desert on the first floor in front of World’s Gym.
Art Tinoco Jr., Assistant Registrar of Voters in Riverside County said early voting was a way to give an opportunity to those looking to cast their ballots but may not make it to do so on Election Day. “It’s easy, it’s convenient, and early voting allows every voter the opportunity to come and cast their ballot regardless of wherever they live in the county,” he said. Tinoco Jr. said he had already seen a line forming before the polling place opened in the mall and expected to see between 600 to 1,000 voters each day at each location. He believed it could be attributed due to the high interest in this year’s presidential race. So the process has been fairly smooth for voters. “I see a lot of smiles. That’s all I can say,” Tinoco Jr. said. “People are excited and they like that it’s easy and quick.” One early voter felt it was her duty to exercise her right and felt early voting was a good way to do so. ‘It’s a privilege. Voting is a privilege, and we need to exercise our privilege,” Cynthia Horning, a Palm Desert resident said. Another early voter said this was important election and wanted to make his voice heard. “That’s a very good thing to do, you know. For the nation and actually for everybody you know,” Reynaldo Miranda, a Palm Desert resident, said. “It’s very nice. I feel good.” The Registrars Office says voters are encouraged to cast ballots as soon as possible so they can be included in the first Election Night results. Those are expected to be posted shortly after 8 p.m. on Nov. 8.
