Tulare County voter turnout higher thanks to mail-in ballots

Eric Woomer, Visalia Times-Delta
·2 min read

One thing is clear in Tulare County: Voters like to cast their ballots by mail.

On Election Night June 7, 10% of Tulare County's 207,000 voters' ballots had been tallied. Wednesday, that percentage had jumped to 24.5% — nearly 51,000 votes.

While 24.5% is still far less than the 53% of voters who turned out for the 2020 Primary Election or the 75% in the 2020 General Election, the number shows hope that "voter fatigue" may not be as serious as once predicted.

"I did my research," Mackenzie Simmons, 20, of Tulare said. "As a young one, it's important to vote and make sure your voice is heard."

On the Thursday following Election Day, elections officials had nearly 20,000 uncounted ballots and 837 damaged or ballots that needed review. As of Wednesday, there are 23 mail-in ballots left to count and 830 under review.

On Election Night, just 4,418 people voted.

Here's what the numbers show.

  • Interestingly, most Tulare County voters filled the circle Tuesday for Gov. Gavin Newsom. There are 77,000 registered Republicans countywide, about 8,000 more than Democrats. Just over 44,000 voters are registered under No Party Preference.

  • The jump in votes tallied didn't help candidates looking for a comeback, though.

Connie Conway won big, beating Lourin Hubbard by 62% to 38%. Conway was sworn in Tuesday in Washington DC before the election results were official.

Paraphrasing the words of Luke, “To whom much is given, much is required,” Rep. Conway said, “I take these words to heart in the role that’s been entrusted to me: To honestly, loyally, and passionately represent my constituents in the United States House of Representatives.”

Conway vowed to be a “zealous” defender of her constituents and to assist the people of California’s San Joaquin Valley as "they struggle with inflation, water shortages and other pressing challenges," according to a statement released Tuesday night.

Democrat Rudy Salas remained ahead of Rep. David Valadao, 44% to 26%. But, Republicans who voted for Chris Mathys and Adam Medeiros, both Republicans, may help Valadao overcome Salas in November.

Republican David Shepard maintained his lead over Rep. Melissa Hurtado, 45% to 30%. But, similarly to Valadao's race, the other Democrats in the race accounted for 17% of the vote, making November a tight race.

Assemblyman Devon Mathis has a clear path to victory. In his District 33 race, he took more than 64% of the vote. Former Tulare Mayor Jose Sigala and Farmersville City Councilman Ruben Macareno combined for 35%.

"I want to thank everyone for your help and support," Mathis said after the election. "We still have work to do for November, but I have no doubt that together we will win."

Tulare County Supervisor Eddie Valero will face Scott Harness in November. A week after the election, Valero's total hit 45%, 5% shy of winning the race outright. Harness came in second with 31%.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Tulare County voter turnout higher thanks to mail-in ballots