As of 9 p.m. Tuesday, some polling places were still open around Merced County, with about 70 voters still in line and waiting to cast ballots at UC Merced.
A handful of voters are still waiting in line at Saint Patrick’s, Christian Life and Los Banos Community Center.
County officials said the majority of ballots cast this election came before Election Day — about 41,000 mail-in ballots came in before Tuesday morning.
The Registrar of Voters estimate in-person voting will make up 10% of the overall vote this election.
As of about 9:30 p.m. Rep. Adam Gray, D-Merced, had grown his lead over his opponent Kevin Lincoln, R-Stockton.
Early returns show Gray in the lead with about 60% of the vote to Lincoln’s 39%, according to the Secretary of State.
In other big races:
In California’s Assembly 27th District race, Democrat Brian Pacheco has a big lead over Republican Mike Murphy, 62.8% to 37.2% respectively, according to California Secretary of State.
Pacheco declared victory over Murphy around 10 p.m. Tuesday.
“I’m honored that the voters across Merced, Fresno, and Madera Counties chose me to fight for them in Sacramento. I am going to Sacramento for one thing only – to fight for the Valley’s fair share and get things done. That is what my campaign and my career in public service have always been about,” Pacheco said in a statement.
“Thank you to every volunteer, supporter, and voter who made tonight possible. I also want to thank Congressman Adam Gray, our new State Senator Esmeralda Soria, and Assembly Speaker Rivas for their unwavering support. I want to congratulate Mike Murphy for a hard-fought race. To those who supported him, I will work just as hard for you because everyone in the Central Valley deserves financial relief, reliable water and safer neighborhoods.”
California Senate 14 –– Democrat Esmeralda Soria has a big lead over Republican Darin DuPont, 63.6% to 36.4% respectively. As of 9 p.m. Tuesday, she had already declared victory over her opponent.
“The trust voters have placed in me once again to fight for them in Sacramento is humbling and incredibly energizing. I’m so proud of what we have accomplished for our communities – safer drinking water, protecting access to healthcare, and more economic opportunity – but there is so much more to do.”
“The Central Valley deserves a real voice in Sacramento and tonight, voters chose me, the daughter of farm workers, to be that voice,” Soria said in a statement. “I’m incredibly grateful to the voters, the donors, my staff and other supporters who made this happen. I’m ready to take on this new role as the Senator for District 14 and look forward to turning campaign promises into California policies.”
Merced County Superintendent of Schools — Ana Boyenga leads over Richard Lopez by 51.25% to 48.75%
Measure B — Merced’s proposed one-cent sales tax, which would require a simple majority to pass, has 57.05% support.
Merced Fire Union members are feeling excited about the early results, said union president Austin Johnson.
“I think ultimately the community understood the needs of the city and they’re willing to pay extra to hopefully maintain fire staffing and also have nicer things throughout the city,” Johnson said.
Mayor Matthew Serratto said it is surprising to see support leading as much as it is.
“It’s really a testament to the desire to see Merced do better and improve,” Serratto said.
While the results have not been finalized yet, Ashley Marie Suarez, a policy advocate at Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, said it’s looking likely the measure will pass. She hopes there’s an opportunity for public input moving forward.
“I hope local elected officials take the initiative and time to listen to all the things the community has said in the past,” Marie Suarez said, to fund housing programs, tenant programs and youth programs.
Merced City Council — In District 2, incumbent Yang Pao Thao is trailing behind challenger Felipe Rojas-Flores, 44.3% to 54.90%. In District 6, John Bliss is ahead of incumbent Fue Xiong, 45% to 40%. In that race, Yader Zeledon trails behind with 14.13%.
“I don’t know what to think, because I lost in 2018 by six votes,” Bliss said during a watch party at a local restaurant. “You never know who votes and when they vote, and I don’t know. I knocked on doors until 6 o’clock tonight. So we’ll see how it goes.”
Zeledon said he was waiting for more results to come in before giving up on the race.
“I’m waiting for more ballots to be counted before making any decision about conceding,” he said, thanking his supporters and family. ”At the end of the day, I feel like I’ve already won on a personal level just by putting myself out there for the community I love. Regardless of the outcome, I’m proud I took this step and thankful for everyone who stood beside me. Merced is my home, and my commitment to our community will continue, no matter what.”
Merced Community College District Board races — In Area 4, Rich Randall has a big lead over Mary Camper, 61.23% to 31.23% respectively. In Area 5, incumbent Joe Gutierrez leads Sarai Jimenez-Robertson, 66.39% to 33.13% respectively. In Area 7, incumbent John Pedrozo leads Bob Geyer, 56.82% to 42.70% respectively.
Atwater mayor — Incumbent Mike Nelson is far ahead of challenger Roberto Montes-Yepez, 69% to 30% respectively.
Livingston mayor — Japjeet Singh Uppal has a big lead over his city council rival Jason Roth, 63% to 36.5% respectively.
Livingston City Council — Longtime incumbent Gurpaul Samra is currently in third place (24.37%) out of four candidates looking to fill two council seats. He trails behind Parwinder Singh Uppal (34%) and Terika Degraw (28.73%). Mohinder Kanda trails behind with 11.4%.
5 p.m. Tuesday
Valley voters headed to the polls Tuesday as officials noted smooth and steady turnout across the region as ballots were cast in the consequential midterm election which will shape the future of local, state and federal governments.
Residents started making their way to voting centers across the county at 7 a.m. Tuesday. This election San Joaquin Valley voters will help choose California’s next governor, settle 14 statewide propositions and determine the balance of the U.S. House of Representatives among other races.
In Merced County, voting is going “swimmingly,” according to local officials.
“Voting centers are moving smoothly, voters are getting out to vote,” Merced County Registrar of Voters Melvin Levey said.
He said the county voting system is “incredibly secure” and additional staff and equipment have been brought in to handle returns.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the county has received more than 22,000 ballots since doors opened in the morning since doors opened in the morning. County officials expect ‘significantly more’ throughout Election Day.
“We had really strong return rates early on. When it’s all said and done after today, I think we’ll see a turnout factor that is much higher than 2022,” Levey said.
According to Levey, about 36,000 mail in ballots had been processed Sunday night.
Traffic at many many voting centers around Merced waswas slow during the day during the day, with higher turnout at UC Merced, Levey said.
Retiree Connie Pacheco voted in-person at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in northern Merced, despite feeling under the weather.
“It was important to me to get out and make my voice count,” Pacheco said. “It’s our duty.”
Pacheco said she is feeling “hopeful and optimistic” for the election results. She said the most important issues for her are Social Security and taxes.
“Hopefully it makes a difference locally.” Pacheco said. “But I’m waiting for the big (presidential) one. I’m hoping something changes because our economy, everything is terrible.”