Tradition, lack of trust lead voters to in-person polling stations in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - There's been a steady flow of voters Tuesday morning at polling stations on the Central Coast.
Santa Barbara County election organizers are projecting more than 200,000 people voting in this election.
A small crowd gathered outside one polling station in Santa Maria when doors opened at 7 a.m.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to cast ballots Tuesday in person at one of three-dozen locations across the county.
This year all registered voters received a vote-by-mail ballot under executive order from California Governor Gavin Newsom due to COVID-19 concerns.
Voters at the polling station on Tuesday said they stuck with tradition to either vote or drop their ballot off in person on Election Day.
"Because I always vote in person on election day."
"I don't trust the mail, I don't trust any other source."
"I have enjoyed being here to vote."
"This was a tradition in my household, we've voted every day on election day."
"Because I didn't trust the other way."
Polling stations in the county opened last Saturday to provide more opportunity for in-person voting and to avoid long lines and crowds Tuesday.
COVID-19 public health protocols are being enforced at all polling stations including face masks, social distancing and sanitizing of voting booths by poll workers.
The polling stations close at 8 p.m. If you are in line when polling stations close, you are still legally allowed to vote.
If you experience voter intimidation or discrimination at your polling place, you can contact the California Secretary of State’s office at 800-345-VOTE (8683).