San Diego election chief reports record turnout as DOJ observers arrive

San Diego Registrar of Voters Shawn Brom reported on Wednesday that the county has received 417,000 returned mail ballots and recorded approximately 3,000 in-person votes. This marks the fourth day of early voting for the upcoming midterm elections.

Brom stated that current participation trends exceed those of the 2022 gubernatorial race. Mail ballot turnout stands at 21 percent, compared to 16 percent in the same period three years ago. In-person voting has also increased, with roughly 3,000 voters visiting centers so far, a figure that is triple the count from the same time in 2022.

The registrar noted that the ballot this year contains two separate cards due to the high number of contests. He emphasized that 1.6 million registered voters have not yet cast ballots and may not realize they are receiving dual cards. He advised voters to allow extra time to review the materials.

To prepare for potential disruptions, Brom said the office completed three tabletop exercises with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. This is double the usual number of such drills. These sessions focused on scenarios involving interference, intimidation, and de-escalation at polling sites.

The Department of Justice will deploy election managers to San Diego during the election. These observers from the Civil Rights Division will visit approximately 40 to 50 polling locations. Their role is to verify compliance with the Voting Rights Act and the Help America Vote Act, specifically regarding physical and language accessibility. Brom clarified that these are observers, not law enforcement officers, and their presence is a standard practice for federal contests.

Brom addressed recent federal subpoenas requesting voter files. His office received five such requests in 2026, a number he described as slightly higher than usual but part of a common procedural practice. The county responds to these requests through the county counsel. While California Secretary of State Shirley Weber described the federal relationship as adversarial, Brom said he focuses on administering the election and following legal guidance.

The office continues to maintain voter records through year-round file maintenance with partners including the DMV, the U.S. Postal Service, and the Secretary of State. If a voter is found to be ineligible, such as if they are not a citizen, the office removes them from the rolls and notifies the individual.

Voters can report perceived interference or harassment through the registrar’s website or by calling the office. Brom said the team works closely with local police departments and sheriffs to address any issues that arise at polling locations. The goal is to ensure voting remains accessible and free from intimidation.

The registrar said he is confident in the security measures and the coordination between local and federal partners. He noted that the office has received additional state funding to support voter outreach campaigns. The primary focus remains on ensuring all locations are open and functional on Election Day.