Updated 9:52 a.m., Sept. 16th–
By Mike Hazlip– Long lines were seen on Election Day outside City Hall, as voters showed up to vote or to drop off their ballots in the Sept. 14 recall election.
On Tuesday morning, a steady stream of vehicles could be seen moving around the circular entrance to City Hall, dropping off ballots. Poll worker Priscilla Ratermann said the line began forming early Tuesday morning before polls opened.
Ratermann directed traffic as another worker collected drop-off ballots in the familiar pink ballot box. She said two workers are required to be present with the box at all times, and that City Hall staff have been helpful.
Voter Nathen Brandon told The Sentinel on Tuesday that he voted in favor of recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom. He said he is looking for a change in leadership.
“We need to take back California,” he said. “We need to take back our state, our way of life.”
Another voter, Jeremy Cook, also voted in favor of the recall saying he is a small business owner who feels the governor’s policies have negatively affected his business.
Shelby Kretschmer came to the polls with her grand-daughter and great-grandson. The 79-year-old said she hasn’t missed an election since she became eligible to vote, and wanted to come with her family Tuesday for the special election. She said she was voting against the recall because she sees it as an unnecessary expense.
“I’m voting [against] this one because I think it’s stupid,” she said. “It’s a waste of taxpayer’s money, and we’re going to pay for it.”
Poll inspector Larry Miramontes called the steady stream of voters “non-stop” since polls opened.
“We’re here for the voters,” Miramontes said. “The more voters, the happier we are. From my perspective, my job is to keep them happy. As long as they’re happy, I’m happy.”
Ballot boxes are sealed before being sent to the Registrar of Voters, according to Miramontes, and they are never left unattended with at least two poll workers close by at all times. Each pink and blue bag is recorded on a transport log during its transit.
“The integrity of the election is very, very important,” he said.
Those interested in watching the vote counting process can watch a live video feed at elections.saccounty.net, or in person at the county elections office located at 7000 65th Street, in south Sacramento.
Related: Want to watch the vote counting in Sacramento County? Here’s how.
As of the latest vote count released early Wednesday morning, 63% of voters in Sacramento County cast their vote against the recall, with voters statewide also opting to retain Gov. Gavin Newsom by a similar margin.
Vote counting of remaining ballots cast in the election will continue over the next few weeks until the election is certified. Sacramento County is slated to issue another update in the vote count on Friday afternoon.
Editor’s note: Want to see how Citrus Heights voted in the recall election? Check back in this Sunday’s Weekend Edition to find out.
