Election Day in the Dark? Power Outages Could Hit California Polling Places

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Election officials are bracing for potential power outages at polling places across California, adding to the stress of ensuring a smooth election.

What You Need to Know

• High Winds: Dangerous winds up to 50 mph are forecasted across California.

• Power Shutoffs: Utilities are implementing power shutoffs to reduce fire risks.

• Red Flag Warnings: In effect from Monday through Thursday, impacting areas from Southern to Northern California.

• Affected Customers: Over 170,000 Pacific Gas & Electric and SoCal Edison customers could face outages.

• Voting Assurance: Despite potential outages, utilities confirm that voting and vote counting will continue without disruption.

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Too Close to Call

No matter what you’re seeing on social media or hearing from the campaigns, the presidential race is still a total toss-up.

• Just hours ago, a new poll dropped, and it continues to show former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris locked in a tight race in key swing states (all within the margin of error).

• It’s clear: Your vote does matter—whether it’s for local issues, statewide decisions, or the big national races.

California’s Impact on the House

California’s swing districts are the center of a fierce battle for control of the U.S. House. With a slim Republican majority of just five seats, every race counts. Here’s what you need to know:

• Crucial Swing Districts: Six key districts could decide the balance of power.

• High Stakes: California’s delegation includes 40 Democrats and 12 Republicans.

• Massive Spending: Over $200 million already raised, both directly to candidates and through outside groups.

LAIST did a great job of laying out the races:

Garvey’s Do-or-Die Moment in Senate Showdown

In the 2024 U.S. Senate elections, 34 seats are up for grabs, including the seat of Senator Dianne Feinstein who passed away last year.

It doesn’t take a baseball analyst to see that Republican Senate Candidate Steve Garvey needs a ninth-inning grand slam to pull off a win in tomorrow’s election.

From the outset, Garvey’s been swinging uphill against his Democratic rival, Adam Schiff. Despite his star power as a Los Angeles Dodgers and Padres legend, Garvey’s campaign has struggled to find its groove in California’s heavily Democratic lineup.

Schiff’s Strategy Pays Off?

Adam Schiff has held a commanding lead in every poll since March (recent polls indicate Schiff's advantage ranges from 20 to 30 percentage points).

Interestingly, Schiff played a strategic role in this matchup. Remember, he funneled millions into boosting Garvey’s primary campaign back in March, betting on an easier opponent in the general election.

The Final Stretch

In the final stretch, while Schiff has been crisscrossing California, rallying voters, and stumping for fellow Democrats, Garvey opted to attend the Dodgers' World Series celebration, high-fiving fans and signing autographs instead of making a last-minute campaign push.

Garvey’s Uphill Battle

• Garvey’s campaign has been defined by sparse public appearances and vague policy positions, which haven’t helped his case with voters and California’s deeply blue electorate.

• What public events he’s attended seem to emphasize his sports background to connect with voters.

Another Ballot

In a twist of electoral fate, Steve Garvey has another shot at glory—but this time, it’s a different kind of ballot.

⚾Come December, Garvey will be up for election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

⚾The Hall announced today that Garvey, along with his former Dodgers teammate Tommy John, is one of eight contenders vying for a spot on the prestigious Classic Baseball Era ballot.

⚾That vote will be held on December 8.

Vote by Mail or Drop Box

If you are voting by mail or want to use a drop box, you still have time!

• Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by November 5, 2024.

• Drop your ballot in a secure drop box by 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024 to make it count!

• For details » CA Early Voting

Find Your Polling Place

Did you lose your ballot or love the buzz of voting in person? No worries! All Californians can enjoy the perks of same-day voter registration and in-person voting. You're covered!

• For details » Find your Polling Place