Early voting on the Central Coast starts Monday

Thousands of ballots are being boxed up and ready to be shipped out at the Santa Cruz County Clerk’s office.

“Monday is the first day for voting,” said Gail Pellerin with the Santa Cruz County Clerk’s office, so we’ll be open for voting here. “The Watsonville City Clerk’s office will be open for voting 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday.”

A record number of voters have registered in California. In Santa Cruz County requests to vote by mail are at an all-time high.

“Everything you’re seeing in the media, everything you’re seeing on social media, and everything you’re hearing on the streets, people are interested in this election,” said Pellerin. “I think that translates into voter participation.”

Postage is paid for the vote by mail envelopes, which can be dropped off in boxes located throughout the county, in the city clerk’s office or at any polling site on Election Day.

“If you do choose to mail it make sure that ballot is postmarked on or before November 8 th ,” said Pellerin. “It has to be received by us Monday November 14th.”

The clerk’s office also said voters need to know if they’re registered or not.

“One clue to that is if they get a county voter information guide addressed to them,” said Pellerin. “If it’s addressed to somebody else in your household that means we don’t have you registered.”

In this general election it does not matter which party you’re registered with, all voters get the same ballot.

“It’s either going to be Hillary or maybe like a write in for Bernie,” said voter Brian Olsen. “But can’t let Trump steal this country.”

With 17 state propositions, local measures and seats along with presidential candidates needing to be voted on, some people say they’re still trying to figure it all out.

“I don’t like Clinton, I don’t like Trump,” said Zav Hershfield, Santa Cruz County voter. “I don’t like any of the mainstream parties really.”

Voting officials said whatever you do, don’t stay home and not vote at all.