CA special election: Santa Clara County officials hoping for 50-60% turnout as early voting begins

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — Early voting is officially open ahead of a statewide special election here in California.

Prop 50 will be top of mind for many, but in Santa Clara County, a new assessor and a general sales tax measure will also be decided.

“No matter who you are and how you align yourself politically, your voice matters,” SCC Registrar of Voters Matt Moreles said.

Moreles says you can make your voice heard in many different ways: including voting mail, in-person voting either early or on election day, or using 109 ballot drop off locations in Santa Clara County – including two at the SAP Center.

“Whether you’re here for a concert, a family event, or to cheer on the Sharks at our home opener on October 9 against Las Vegas, we encourage you to bring your ballot and take part of democracy,” Sharks Sports and Entertainment Sr. VP of Government Affairs Chris Shay said.

The boxes combine convenience and security – which county officials hope will boost the number of ballots cast.

MORE: CA’s Prop 50 campaign heats up as ballots head to voters in two weeks

A typical local special election brings about a 30% turnout.

But leaders are hoping for more like 50 to 60% given the important items that are going be on the ballot this year, including Measure A.

It’s a proposed five eighths of a cent increase to the general sales tax in Santa Clara County.

Leaders say it will create $330 million in revenue to make up for healthcare and food assistance funding cuts by the Trump Administration.

“Over a $500 million gap, mostly and cuts to Medicaid for the upcoming fiscal year and that amount more than double in the year thereafter,” SCC Executive James R. Williams said.

Those who oppose Measure A question whether the tax dollars would go where the county says they will.

MORE: New poll: California Latinos split on Prop. 50 as campaigns ramp up outreach

They also feel the timing of the Measure A vote is a problem.

“They deliberately piggybacked this on this off – cycle election because they know that there’s much less turn out,” Silicon Valley Taxpayers Assn. member Brian Holtz said.

“It’s going to hurt the people that it’s supposed to help,” No on Measure A Committee Chair Rishi Kumar said. “And I believe the appetite for tax increases is pretty low.”

Choosing a new County Assessor and the statewide vote on Prop 50 are also on the ballot this November.

Prop 50 would temporarily redraw the state’s congressional district maps – a reaction to Republican-led redistricting in states like Texas.

The election itself is estimated to cost Santa Clara County around $17 million, which will be reimbursed by the state.