There were small but steady lines when polls opened in the Bay Area this morning, but the majority of votes had likely already been cast as early voting smashed records.
At the San Carlos Main Library, about a dozen people were ready and waiting when an election worker announced the polls were open.
Terri Stewart came to vote in person because she wanted to be sure her vote was counted.
“That’s why I’m coming today, on my day off. I waited, I didn’t want to vote by mail. Being a Republican in a very heavy Democratic state? Yes,” she said.
San Carlos resident Lexi Strickland showed up to vote for the second time, after her signature on her mail-in ballot was rejected, and she was happy to do so.
“They’re making it accessible and they’re making sure that we’re able to do our votes and to make our voice heard in a safe way while getting through a global pandemic.”
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While there was only one person waiting when the polls opened at the Oakland Coliseum, one of Alameda County’s 100 voting centers, a steady stream of voters filed in through the morning.
“For me it’s just the thought of just voting, how this came about,” said Alicia Walker. “You know, it took us a long time to even get to this point, so the fact that we can now, I want to be here in person. I just want to do it and physically show my daughter and my son that we can go and vote and have a voice.”
Walker showed up to vote in a face mask with the Raiders logo, which like other logos and slogans is allowed, even a “Make America Great Again Hat.” But there are limits.
“You cannot go within the 100-foot zone with campaign information, like for a candidate or specific campaign,” said Jim Irizarry, elections chief for San Mateo County. Official "Trump 2020" or "Biden/Harris" merchandise is not allowed at the polls.
While officials have promised that the sanctity of a fair and free election will be protected, it will be elections officials and not police enforcing those laws to prevent voter intimidation or suppression.
Irizarry says his staff has been and will continue to work long days until all the votes are counted.
For voters who do not want to go to the polls in person, you can still submit your ballot by mail but it must be postmarked by today and received by Nov. 20. Voters who missed the registration deadline can vote conditionally in California.
The polls are open until 8 p.m. in California.