Low voter turnout ahead of primary election Tuesday

The Registrar of Voters for Riverside County, Rebecca Spencer, said voter turnout for Tuesday's primary election has been low. The county has received about 190,000 ballots so far.

"We typically see lower voter turnout in June primary elections, especially during gubernatorial primary elections," said Spencer. "There just doesn't seem to be the interest that there is in a presidential primary or in November elections."

She is expecting between 35% to 40% of registered voters in the county to participate in the election, which is about the same turnout as the 2018 primary election.

About 14% of Riverside County residents who received a vote-by-mail ballot have returned it.

As of Monday, the county reported a total of1,304,447 vote-by-mail ballots have been issued and 178,170 ballots have been returned.

Voter Cynthia Galbraith wants to make sure her ballot counts, despite the lack of participation in the primary election. 

"It's important for me so that I make the choice that I want to help that person get elected," said Galbraith.

She chose to cast her vote by dropping off her mail-in ballot.

"I like to read all about the people that I don't know that much and I like to do it in the comfort of my home," said Galbraith.

The county expects more voters to head to the polls in person on election day Tuesday. Regardless that it's a primary election, Spencer said she encourages everybody to go and vote. 

"Not just this election, but every election is important for whomever you're going to vote for. It's very important. It's your right," said Galbraith.

If you have not yet voted, you can do so by mail or in person.

To vote in person, click HERE to find a full list of in-person Vote Center locations in Riverside County.

The voter registration deadline was on May 23, but if you missed it, you can still vote in this election. Go to any Voting Location and you can register and vote on the same day all the way up through Election Day on June 7.

If you choose to vote by mail, your ballot needs to be returned through the postal service or submitted at vote-by-mail drop-off boxes at 87 participating locations throughout Riverside County.

Ballot drop-off locations and hours of operation can be found on the registrar’s website.