California voters head to polls; early turnout surges
Billionaire tax on California ballot causing a stir
California voters are deciding on California Proposition 40, a proposed measure on the ballot that would enact the first-ever state-level wealth tax targeting billionaires. Supporters argue that the superrich have accumulated trillions in wealth while paying little relative income tax. Opponents warn that the tax will trigger an exodus of billionaires and high-earners, potentially lowering long-term state income tax revenues and harming California's economy.
SAN FRANCISCO - Election Day has arrived across California, marking the final opportunity for voters who still have ballots at home to turn them in.
Early voting numbers
By the numbers:
Early voting numbers show strong participation across the state, with 6.5 million ballots already cast—accounting for roughly 27% of California's electorate.
In Alameda County, voter turnout stands at 27%, while Santa Clara County has already surpassed 28%. The figures put statewide turnout on pace to beat the 2022 midterm election, though overall Bay Area balloting is tracking at roughly the same level as 2022.
Anticipation, anxiety
What they're saying:
Bay Area voters' concerns ahead of Election Day
According to the California Secretary of State's office, of the roughly 6.5 million ballots that have already been cast, more than 6 million were sent in by mail. Ballot boxes in the Bay Area have seen plenty of traffic leading up to Election Day. We caught up with some voters in Alameda to hear about their concerns, not only with election integrity, but also about the issues most important to them.
Voters heading to the polls shared a mix of anticipation and anxiety about the outcome.
"Positive but still hesitant, like cautious," voter Vidia Gillula said.
Another voter, Lisa Decardenas, described feeling "both excited, very, very excited and also have a sense of dread." Decardenas added, "I'm worried about the credibility this time because I don't know what this administration is capable of."
Voter Ann Steiner expressed similar concern over what follows Election Day.
"Nervous," Steiner said. "I'm nervous about what's going to happen afterward with the results."
Key races
Local perspective:
California election 2026: Governor's race, LA mayoral showdown as millions vote early
With Election Day just two days away, more than 6 million ballots have already been cast in California. Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton make their final push in the governor's race, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces a tight reelection battle against Nithya Raman.
A major draw for voters statewide is the race to decide California's next governor, featuring Republican and former Fox News host Steve Hilton against Democrat Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. health and human services secretary and former California attorney general. Both candidates spent the final hours before Election Day campaigning across Southern California.
In San Francisco, voters face an extensive ballot spanning at least five pages front and back. Key local measures include whether to open the Great Highway during the week while keeping it closed on weekends, contributions to a housing fund, a tax to fund Muni, and a proposal to establish a city-owned municipal finance corporation and public bank.
San Francisco voters are also weighing high-profile candidate races, including the contest to replace Nancy Pelosi between Connie Chan and Scott Wiener.
The San Francisco Department of Elections projected overall turnout between 60% and 65%, consistent with previous midterm elections. As of Monday night, the department had received ballots from 27% of eligible voters and processed 140,000 ballots. The first tally of those processed votes will be released at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday.
San Francisco Elections Director John Arntz said the ballot tally will roll out over several days.
"So we'll have a good number of results on Wednesday at 4 o'clock, then we'll have a good number of results released Thursday, then by Friday we expect to be done with the vote by mail," Arntz said.
The department has increased staffing, scheduled longer hours, and deployed new equipment to handle the incoming wave of ballots. However, election officials noted that finalizing counts will take time, and complete results may not arrive until Sunday.
The Source: Information for this story comes from the San Francisco Department of Elections, and voters.