Early voting expands across Riverside County ahead of June 2 primary

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- Early voting is ramping up in Riverside County as election officials prepare for increased turnout ahead of the June 2 primary.

Voting has been underway at the Registrar of Voters office since May 4, and nearly two dozen early voting centers are set to open across the county starting Saturday. Additional sites will open in the coming days, with a larger expansion planned for next weekend.

Officials expect strong participation this year, estimating turnout between 50% and 60%, nearly matching levels seen in a general election. Much of the interest is tied to the race for the state's next governor.

With about a week and a half remaining before Election Day, polling locations are expected to become busier as more voters choose to cast ballots early or drop them off in person.

"I don't trust the USPS system; they lose things. So I'd rather feel safer knowing I brought it," said Riverside voter Dimitra Nicastro.

County election officials said the U.S. Postal Service cannot guarantee that ballots dropped off on Election Day will be postmarked the same day. They recommend mailing ballots early or submitting them in person.

For those who prefer to vote in person, 21 voting sites will open Saturday, with additional locations opening next weekend.

"We have about 131 that will open next Saturday," said Elizabeth Florer, spokesperson for the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.

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Florer said the county is introducing new measures this election cycle, including software to help verify signatures on mail-in ballot envelopes. If the system cannot verify a signature, it is reviewed by a staff member.

This is allowing the registrar's office to reduce manpower.

"It's about 50 percent fewer people that we're hiring for that signature check this go-around, because it has been spitting out about 50-60 percent of them as good," Florer said.

The county is also introducing five "super vote centers," designed to handle higher voter volume with additional check-in stations and voting booths.

"That's extra check in stations, extra voting booths; and that is going to reduce lines and wait times and allow more people to get in and vote in person if they want to," Florer said.

Election officials said they expect activity at voting centers to increase steadily as Election Day approaches.