California Voters Set Record

Sacramento, CA — California voters made history, but this may not be a record state officials want to tout. The June primary results were certified on Friday and two records were set.

The first is nothing to brag about as a record number of voters failed to cast a ballot.  25.2% of California voters made it to the polls setting a new lowest voter turnout record for any statewide election. The previous number was 28.2% set in June of 2008.

“There is no doubt the turnout number is disappointing, but if ever there was a statewide election where every vote mattered, this was certainly it,” said Secretary of State Debra Bowen, California’s chief elections official. “If there is any silver lining, I hope it’s a reminder to people who didn’t vote in June to take note of close results such as the State Controller contest and commit to going to the polls in November.”

Assemblyman John Perez has called for a recount in Imperial and Kern counties after finishing third in the June 3 primary. He trailed fellow Democrat Betty Yee, a member of the state Board of Equalization by 481 votes.  Republican Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin grabbed the top spot.

On a brighter note, more Californians have elected to cast their vote by mail.  The number of mail-in ballots jumped to 69%, trumping the 65% record set in the June primary of 2012.  Sierra and Alpine counties are the only California counties that conduct all elections entirely by mail.

California’s next regularly scheduled statewide election is November 4. You can click here to view the entire certified June 2014 election results.