SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — California Secretary of State Alex Padilla this week released the final report of voter registration for the June 7 Presidential Primary Election.
The report tallies and compiles voter registration numbers reported throughout California’s 58 county elections. The data is reflected as of the May 23 registration deadline.
The numbers have revealed that a staggering number of Californians are registered to vote for the upcoming primary, 17,915,053 — the highest ever heading into a primary election. California has added another 761,000 voters since the 2012 presidential primary, and found that 72 percent of eligible residents are registered to vote.
“Nearly 18 million California citizens are registered to vote in the June 7 Presidential Primary,” Padilla said. “In the 45 days leading up to the voter registration deadline, there was a huge surge in voter registration—total statewide voter registration increased by nearly 650,000. Part of this surge was fueled through social media. It is clear that Californians are engaged and excited about this election.”
“Now the next step is to turn out and vote,” Padilla said.
In the 45 days leading up to the registration deadline, California saw a 646,220 net increase in total registration statewide. During the same timeframe, Democratic Party, Republican Party, and No Party Preference voter registration all increased.
Democrat Party registration accounted for the largest increase, adding 491,818 registrations statewide, or a 44 percent increase. The Republican Party saw a 27 percent increase during the final 45 days.
Meanwhile registration for the state’s minor parties — Green Party, Libertarian Party, American Independent Party, and Peace and Freedom Party — all decreased, Padilla’s office said.
Voters who are currently registered as no party preference are eligible to vote in the Democratic Primary on Tuesday, but will not receive a primary ballot unless they specifically request one.
Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have campaigned heavily in the state ahead of Tuesday’s primary, the most populous state in the union, and the one which offers the most delegates. Early polls have shown the two caught neck-and-neck, with Clinton holding the edge in delegates overall.
On the Republican side, Donald Trump is the party’s sole nominee and faces no competition. He has spent time campaigning in the state regardless, and has pledged to fight to win it in November’s general election.
