Schedule
Under the California Voter’s Choice Act, every active registered voter in San Diego County will receive a ballot in the mail the week of October 6, 2024.
- Starting Monday, October 7, early voting is available at the Registrar’s office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Starting Saturday, October 26, select vote centers and the Registrar’s office will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 4.
- Starting Saturday, November 2, over 200 vote centers and the Registrar’s office will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 4.
- On the final day of voting, Tuesday, November 5, all vote centers, official ballot drop boxes, and the Registrar’s office will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
2024 California Election Preview: A Tight Race Ahead
As the November 5, 2024, General Election approaches, California’s political landscape is shaping up to be a battleground of fierce competition and diverse representation. The certified list of candidates, released by Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., on August 29, 2024, reveals a tightly contested race with implications for both state and national politics.
Presidential Race Takes Center Stage
The presidential election is capturing significant attention, with six tickets vying for the nation’s top office. The Democratic ticket, led by incumbent Vice President Kamala D. Harris with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, faces a strong challenge from our Republican duo of Donald J. Trump and JD Vance.
However, the race isn’t just a two-party affair. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., still remains on the ballot in many states, listed as an American Independent with Nicole Shanahan, along with Green Party candidate Jill Stein, Libertarian Chase Oliver, and Peace and Freedom Party’s Claudia De la Cruz, are all hoping to make an impact on the electoral landscape.
Congressional Battles: A Test of Party Strength
In the race for Congressional seats, California’s 52 districts are set for intense competition. The breakdown of candidates shows a near-even split between the two major parties, with 52 Democrats and 52 Republicans in the running. This parity suggests that both parties see opportunities to gain ground in the Golden State, potentially influencing the balance of power in Washington.
Election Integrity Concerns
It should be noted that some Republicans have not been officially endorsed by legitimate Republican organizations. Meaning that some Republican candidates may be “shadow candidates” or fake candidates to help Democratic candidates win re-election.
For example, Justin Lee, who is listed as a Republican, is running for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 52nd Congressional District. Read more at Concerns Raised Over Potential Misrepresentation of Republican Candidate in 2024 California General Election.
State Legislature: A Microcosm of California’s Political Diversity
The State Senate and Assembly races offer a glimpse into California’s evolving political dynamics. With 17 State Senate seats and 80 Assembly seats up for grabs, voters have a wide array of choices. Interestingly, several districts feature intra-party contests, particularly among Democrats, highlighting the diverse perspectives within the party.
By the Numbers: A Statistical Snapshot
An analysis of the 312 candidates across all races reveals some intriguing statistics:
- Democrats lead with 155 candidates (49.7%)
- Republicans follow closely with 146 candidates (46.8%)
- Third parties and independents account for 6 candidates (1.9%)
- 5 candidates (1.6%) have unspecified party affiliations
This breakdown underscores the dominance of the two-party system in California, but also shows a small yet persistent presence of alternative political voices.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for California
The nearly equal number of Democratic and Republican candidates suggests a highly competitive election season ahead. While California has leaned Democratic in recent years, the close match in candidate numbers indicates that Republicans see opportunities to make gains.
The presence of third-party candidates, particularly in the presidential race, could also play a crucial role. In close contests, these candidates might influence outcomes by drawing votes from major party contenders.
As November 5 approaches, California voters face important decisions that will shape the future of their state and potentially the nation. With such a diverse field of candidates, the 2024 election promises to be a testament to the vibrancy of California’s democratic process.
Stay tuned for more updates as the campaigns unfold and candidates make their case to the voters of the Golden State.
CERTIFIED LIST OF CANDIDA TES FOR THE
NOVEMBER 5, 2024, GENERAL ELECTION
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