u/SLOClerk-Recorder

Historically, primary election turnout is lower than turnout for a general election. That said, SLO County voters definitely have reason to be proud this cycle. As of June 16, SLO had the 8th highest turnout statewide -- and only one of the top 10 counties had a comparable number of registered voters. (Seven of the 10 are MUCH smaller.)

We'll continue to dive into stats over the next few weeks and will provide an in-depth look at SLO County voter trends and behavior.

Leading up to the election, we stressed the importance of mail ballots arriving in time to be counted -- AND how taking yours inside the post office and getting it hand-stamped can make all the difference.

This photo shows one of the MANY we received that includes that timely hand stamp as well as an official postmark applied in Goleta the next day. If this voter had simply put their ballot into a mailbox (even one right there at the post office) the ballot would have been uncountable. But because the voter took that extra step of getting a stamp at the post office counter, this ballot is in fact timely and will be counted.

This is also a reminder to be careful where you get your official elections information. A local radio show incorrectly shared that a ballot like this would *not* be counted. We received hundreds, and those voters deserve to know that they did the right thing.

Of course, using an official drop box -- like many of you do -- renders this point moot. But if you ever find yourself in the circumstance of needing to put your ballot in the mail, keep this example in mind!

Most California voters know that election results in this state take time. Our election code lays out a number of process steps and deadlines that must be followed, which can be frustrating to everyone when there are close contests.

Regardless of how interested we are in final results, adhering to the law is critical and accuracy is most important.

So that SLO County voters know what to expect, here's a timeline for the next few weeks. We encourage the community to come in and observe -- all ballot processes are open to the public. And we typically have someone on hand to answer any questions you've got while you're watching.

You can view the updated unofficial results at slovote.gov/june2026. The next update will be posted Monday, June 8 by 6pm.

As we close in on Election Day tomorrow, we want to give you an idea of what to expect from our office going forward.

We encourage everyone to come by in person (it’s your right!), but we made this quick BTS peek for those who can’t get here.

During the special election in November turnout was about 40% at this point. Apples and oranges for sure -- that ballot had only a single yes/no question -- but it's a reminder that some people need a nudge so they don't forget (or decide that voting isn't worth their time). Please remind your friends, family and neighbors to vote. And drop off that ballot, vote at our SLO Office tomorrow, or head to your own polling place Tuesday if you are among the 83% who haven't yet voted!

Also, last election I pulled stats just before E-Day to see how return rates varied by city (locally) and county (statewide). If people are interested, I can do that and share the info tomorrow.

TL/DR: Securing several hundred community volunteers to staff voting locations is *always* a challenge, but this election we're facing a critical shortage. If you can spread the word or even step up yourself, it will be greatly appreciated and may help prevent possible poll closures.

PRESS RELEASE:

SLO Elections Office Still Seeking Poll Workers and Inspectors to Serve June 2

North County voting locations face possible consolidations if inspector roles are not filled

San Luis Obispo, CA—With just six days to go until Election Day, the SLO County Elections Office is facing a critical polling place staffing shortage and is calling on the community for help. Specifically, several North County voting locations remain less than fully staffed, and there is a need for inspectors at eight facilities.

Inspectors must work a full day and are responsible for ensuring that the voting location is properly set up and manned from the start of voting at 7am through the packing up of the polls at approximately 9pm. The also liaise with the roving Precinct Assistants and Elections Office staff to troubleshoot any issues that come up during the day.

Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano says that recruiting the more than 600 poll workers required to adequately run polling places throughout the county has become increasingly challenging in recent years.

“When you add in the fact that it’s the end of the school year, the start of summer vacations, and a primary election, it has just become even tougher,” said Cano.

Last week, the Elections Office trained hundreds of poll workers on polling place operations, and staff are prepared to provide make-up training to anyone available and willing to make the commitment at this late date.

“We have infrastructure in place to support all of our poll workers and inspectors, who are fundamental to the success of Election Day. But unless we have enough willing community members step up, there simply won’t be enough people to legally open every planned polling place.”

Make-up training will be available this Saturday, May 30 and by special arrangement, if necessary. If polling place consolidations are necessary, that will be determined and communicated to affected voters over the weekend and on Monday.

Anyone interested in serving as a poll worker or inspector should contact the Elections Office at 805-781-4989 or elections@co.slo.ca.us.

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The more remote parts of the county are trickiest to staff on Election Day, in part because they are less densely populated. If you live near one of these communities or know people who do, please consider serving as a poll worker or passing on this request for help. Working at a polling place -- as well as attending a training session -- will earn you a stipend of about $50-$150 paid after Election Day (depending on the role and hours assigned).

We want every polling place in the county to be staffed up and ready to welcome those who vote in person on June 2nd. Thanks for any assistance you can offer!

NEW SERVICE UPDATE: Monday, May 4th is a big day: Mail ballots go out, drop boxes begin to open, and both county elections offices open to the public. But that’s not all!

There’s a brand-new way to vote EARLY and IN PERSON — but only at the SLO or Atascadero Elections Office. Counter staff can now help you vote your mail ballot without an envelope, giving you on-the-spot confirmation that your ballot has been accepted.

ePollbooks will debut at all SLO County polling locations on June 2. Interested in learning more about this new tool?
https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/clerk-recorder/forms-documents/elections-and-voting/non-election-specific/documents/epollbook-faqs

In the last few days, we've noticed some confusion on other platforms regarding the names of candidates for CA governor potentially being "left off the ballot," and we want to help clarify and alleviate any possible concern.

First, ballots are rigorously proofed at the county level, and there are multiple safeguards in place to ensure that the name of every eligible candidate is included. Ballots are also required to be mailed out by the 29th day before an election -- which in this case is May 4th. So at this point, ballots have been prepared and proofed, but they haven't yet been mailed.

What *has* begun hitting mailboxes is the Statewide Voter Information Guide. And what we've noticed is that some people are confused by the layout of the 60+ candidate names under the heading of "Governor."

As you can see in the graphic here, there are *four* columns of candidate info: name | party | name | party. When you review these candidate names on page 8 of your statewide VIG, make sure to look across to those third and fourth columns. Doing that will make sure you see every one of those many folks running for governor.

Disclaimer: This isn't our publication; it's produced and distributed by the Secretary of State's Office. We had nothing to do with the layout, so if you don't like it, please keep that in mind. We're just trying to ensure our SLO County voters are informed and not confused. :)