21%: San Diego mail-in turnout tops 2022 levels with one week left

San Diego voters have already returned 417,000 ballots by mail, marking a 21% turnout that exceeds the 16% recorded at the same stage of the 2022 gubernatorial election. Registrar of Voters Shawn Brom confirmed these figures during an interview with NBC 7 Political Reporter Joey Safchik one week before polls close for the midterms. The in-person voting numbers show a similar upward trend, with approximately 3,000 residents casting ballots during the first three days of vote center operations. That figure is roughly three times the 1,000 people who voted in person during the same window in 2022. Brom noted that while the current pace is healthy, 1.6 million registered residents have not yet voted.

Brom emphasized that voters should be aware of the two-card ballot system used for this election due to the high volume of contests. He explained that the format may require more time for voters to review their choices, but the process remains standard. To address concerns about election integrity, his office has increased coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. The team completed three tabletop exercises to prepare for potential interference or intimidation scenarios. This is double the number of drills typically conducted before an election. These meetings covered de-escalation tactics for poll workers and coordination protocols with law enforcement for escalated responses.

The U.S. Department of Justice will send federal election monitors to San Diego for Election Day. Brom clarified that these observers are part of the Civil Rights Division rather than investigative law enforcement. Their role is to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act and the Help America Vote Act, specifically regarding physical and language accessibility. The monitors are expected to visit between 40 and 50 polling locations. Brom described this practice as common for federal contests and noted that the office is open to observation from other groups and members of the public as well.

Regarding subpoenas for voter records, Brom stated that the office received five requests in 2026, a number slightly higher than usual. He described the process as standard and confirmed that the office continues to comply with legal requirements through county counsel. When asked about Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s comments describing the administration as an enemy, Brom said he focuses on administering the election and following legal guidance. He stated that the office will provide records as determined by legal obligations. Voters can report perceived interference through the office website or by phone. Brom said the goal is to keep voting accessible and free from harassment, with plans in place to manage potential issues like power outages at vote centers.

Brom indicated that the office has sufficient resources to conduct the election, aided by state funding for outreach campaigns. He said the priority is ensuring all locations remain open and functional on Election Day. If a site faces an issue, voters will be diverted to the nearest available location until the site is restored. The office will continue to work with utility crews and local police to maintain access and security.