Election 2020: Alameda County sees record number of early ballot returns, according to registrar

ALAMEDA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- The number of people voting early is breaking records all across the nation and it's no different here in the Bay Area.

Officials in Alameda County say they have already broken records with the number of people who have turned their ballots in.

RELATED: Alameda County voting centers see big turnout for early voting

As we were outside the Alameda County Registrar of Voters Monday night, we watched as officials wheeled in carts full of ballots.

"I just voted," said Phyllis White, as she threw up her hands into the air in excitement. White is one of thousands who have voted early.

"We haven't seen this type of early return ever. This is the most early returns we've seen in any of the elections we've had!" says Alameda County Registrar of Voters Tim Dupuis.

Dupuis says in 2018, 70-percent of their returns came by mail. That number is now at 80 percent.

RELATED: Alameda County reports highest mail-in ballot rejection rate in Bay Area, 2018 data shows

There are 100 locations to drop off ballets in Alameda County. While everyone has been positive, it's not to say there haven't been issues.

"We usually vote by mail but we didn't get our ballots this year, I know a lot of other people who didn't get their ballots this year which is concerning," says Olibhia Kain who was with her friend Mara Boss. The two had no issues coming to a polling location in person and voting.

At 1901 Poplar Street in West Oakland, all is quiet now but it will be a different story Tuesday. At that time a sort of outdoor, voting celebration will be held to try to bring in non-voters.

"Food trucks and some local artists, just to make the experience more fun and not as arduous and potentially boring as it could be," says CEO of the Kapor Center Allison Scott.

All with a hope that people will get out and vote.

"Happy dance, happy dance, happy dance. I voted!" says our friend Phyllis as she got into her car and drove away.

In Alameda County you can vote in person, drop off your ballot, or do will call voting, which will have your ballot ready when you get there.

Get the latest stories and videos about the 2020 election here.

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• CA Election 2020: Here's a roundup of everything you need to know


• California propositions: A voter's guide to the 2020 ballot measures


• MAP: Every Bay Area voting location


• 3 likely scenarios showing when we'll know the winner of the presidential election


• Here's the last day to mail in your ballot in California


• What's the difference between an absentee and mail-in ballot?


• Key dates and deadlines to remember in California


• Want to vote in person? Here's where to go, what to know in the Bay Area


• Here's a deeper look at 3 of the most contentious California ballot propositions


• How your vote affects Black lives: Berkeley professor creates Black Lives Voter Guide


• New website lets you track your mail-in ballot, see when it's counted



• Bay Area sports arenas to convert into voting centers, ballot drop off locations


• What is Prop. 14? California voters will be asked to continue funding stem cell research


• What is Prop 15? Voters to decide property tax hike on big business


• What is Prop. 16? Here's how it will impact affirmative action in California


• What is Prop. 17? Voters asked to restore right to vote for parolees after completion of prison term


• What is California Prop. 18? Measure would let some 17-year-olds vote


• What is Prop.19? Measure would change several facets of property tax rules in California


• What is Prop. 20? Measure would allow prosecutors to reclassify some misdemeanor crimes as felonies


• What is Prop 21? Initiative would allow cities to enact more rent control


• What is Prop. 22? Voters to decide if app-based drivers should be classified as employees or contractors


• What is Prop. 23? Measure would impact dialysis clinics, patients


• What is Prop 24? Voters to decide future of consumer data privacy protections


• What is Prop 25? California to vote on eliminating cash bail system