Final push to get out the vote underway ahead of November election

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – With Election Day less than three weeks away, voters across the Coachella Valley are already casting their ballots, while local Democratic and Republican organizations are ramping up outreach efforts ahead of a busy weekend of political events.

The November 3 general election is approaching, and California's standard voter registration deadline is Monday, October 19.

From door-to-door canvassing and phone banks to ballot assistance and voter registration events, political organizations across the valley are working to connect with residents and provide information about the upcoming election.

News Channel 3 spoke with representatives from both political parties, a local rally organizer and voters who have already submitted their ballots.

Voters casting ballots early

At a local ballot drop-off location Friday, some residents said they were ready to get their votes in well before Election Day.

Erica, who had just dropped off her ballot, said she had been following the election closely but didn't have one particular issue motivating her decision to vote early.

"I just wanted to get it done and out of the way," she said.

Another voter, Steve Warren, said he has been closely following the election through television, podcasts and other sources.

Warren said his biggest concern is making sure votes are counted accurately.

"I just wanted to make sure my vote was in the ballot box safely," Warren said.

Despite receiving political outreach messages, Warren said those efforts haven't necessarily captured his attention.

"Good reminders. I put them right to spam so I don't even read them," Warren said of political text messages.

Warren added that he read his voter information pamphlet from cover to cover before casting his ballot.

Democrats ramp up outreach across the valley

At Democratic Headquarters of the Desert, political director Elle Kurps said the organization is expanding its efforts as Election Day approaches.

The headquarters is now open six days a week, providing residents with information about candidates, ballot propositions and voting procedures.

Kurps said volunteers are also making phone calls, canvassing neighborhoods and distributing door hangers to reach voters.

"There's a lot of phone calls being made all over the place for all of the different candidates," Kurps said.

The organization is also hearing from residents who have questions about the propositions appearing on their ballots.

Kurps said many voters have already decided which candidates they support but are still seeking clarification on individual ballot measures.

With the voter registration deadline approaching, Kurps said the organization is focusing on making information accessible and helping residents understand their options.

She also highlighted several events scheduled for Saturday, including gatherings in Palm Springs and Cathedral City.

Republicans offering ballot assistance

Meanwhile, the East Valley Republican Women are taking a different approach to voter outreach by focusing on helping residents navigate and complete their ballots.

President Joy Miedecke said the organization has been offering ballot assistance for years and regularly hears from residents who are confused about certain races and judicial contests.

"People are very confused about ballots, especially where judges are concerned," Miedecke said.

Miedecke said residents travel from communities across the valley, including Coachella and Palm Springs, to seek assistance at the organization's office.

The group also provides voter guides to its members and says it welcomes nonmembers who have questions.

"You need help. Ask for help because people will sit on it and not turn it in," Miedecke said.

She added that assistance is available regardless of political affiliation.

"If you're a Democrat, you can come in here and we'll help you," Miedecke said.

The organization says its office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for residents seeking assistance.

Miedecke also emphasized the importance of participating in elections, regardless of which political party a voter supports.

No Kings rallies planned for Saturday

Beyond traditional party outreach, several No Kings demonstrations are planned across the Coachella Valley on Saturday, October 17, as organizers combine political demonstrations with voter engagement efforts.

Events are scheduled in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio.

Alice Moran, vice president for political action with Democrats of Sun City Shadow Hills, is helping organize a rally in Indio.

Moran said the event will focus on political expression while also providing opportunities for eligible residents to register to vote.

"We've been advertising the rally, and it's a combination of a protest and getting people out to vote," Moran said.

"We're going to register people to vote at the rally."

Moran said organizers are preparing for a potentially large crowd. She estimated that a previous No Kings rally in the area attracted approximately 1,000 participants, although she said attendance at Saturday's event remains uncertain.

The group has been coordinating safety precautions and preparing for the gathering.

Moran said concerns about the cost of living, immigration enforcement and the direction of the federal government are among the issues she has heard from residents.

She also described efforts to help voters who face transportation or mobility challenges.

At Sun City Shadow Hills, Moran said volunteers help residents with voting-related needs, including transportation and assistance returning completed ballots.

"So we're doing everything we can to encourage people to vote," Moran said.

Organizers are planning a No Kings gathering near Highway 111 and Monroe Street in Indio beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Other scheduled Saturday events include:

• Palm Springs: City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Palm Springs: Near Sunrise Way and East Palm Canyon Drive, 9 to 11 a.m.
• Cathedral City: City Hall, 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
• Palm Desert: Monterey Avenue and Highway 111, 9 to 10 a.m.
• Indio: Highway 111 and Monroe Street, 9 to 10 a.m.

What voters need to know before Election Day

According to the Riverside County Registrar of Voters, approximately 1.4 million vote-by-mail ballots were sent to the U.S. Postal Service beginning October 5 for the November 3 general election.

Registered voters can return completed ballots by mail, at official ballot drop-off locations or in person at designated voting locations.

California's standard voter registration deadline is Monday, October 19.

However, eligible residents who miss that deadline can still register conditionally and vote through Election Day at designated locations, including county elections offices and vote centers offering the service.

The first vote centers in Riverside County are scheduled to open October 24, with additional locations opening October 31.

Ballots returned in person must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3.

Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before November 3 and received by election officials no later than November 10.

Voters can check their registration status, register to vote and find information about the election through the following official resources:

• California voter registration: https://registertovote.ca.gov/
• California Secretary of State: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/
• Riverside County Registrar of Voters: https://voteinfo.net/

As political organizations continue their outreach and more residents cast their ballots, both Democrats and Republicans say their efforts will continue through Election Day.

For voters like Erica and Warren, however, the decision to participate has already been made.

"Just get out and vote and make sure your vote is turned in," Warren said.