As you know, the 2024 election cycle was crazy busy for the League, but thanks to all of the amazing League members who stepped up to contribute financially, or to do the necessary work during that craziness, things went smoothly and successfully.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, one and all!

Contra Costa County has approximately 723,000 registered voters. Nearly 75% of them voted.  This is very good news -- especially considering that many did not vote in the primaries.  Click here to see the County Election Office’s stats for every contest, as of December 2.

In readying ourselves for the November election, the League had many and varied partnering opportunities with the County Elections staff. Whether it was for voter registration days, doing outreach presentations in the community about mis/dis information, serving as panelists for Community Conversations, or creating TikTok videos with young people for young people, our County Elections staff always happily collaborated with the League. Sometimes, unexpected events happen, and the League can help.

Indeed, on the evening before Election Day, one of the Antioch ballot drop boxes was so full it was overflowing. Antioch voters reached out to the Elections Office to let them know about the issue. Getting from Martinez to Antioch is not an easy task during the commute hours, especially when there is an accident. As fate would have it, there was an accident that night. Nonetheless, our Clerk Recorder, Kristin Connelly, headed to Antioch. On her way she called a League member who she knew lived in Antioch. Kristin explained the issue and asked if the member could stand by the ballot box to let voters know that the box would be emptied soon and not to worry.

The League member arrived at the box within ten minutes. She explained to the voters where another drop box was located if they preferred, or that they were welcome to stay and wait. A number of voters opted to wait and just chilled, chatting among themselves. What started as a problem led to an unexpected moment of community for those who chose to wait to drop their ballot. Within a few more minutes, Kristin arrived to empty the very stuffed ballot box.

Our County Elections Office cares about our votes. A huge THANK YOU to everyone in the County Elections Office for the work they do for all voters in our county.

Shawn Gilbert, LWVDV Voter Services Co-Chair