Turnout in Orange County is typically low for special elections, ranging from 10-20%, while primary and general elections have a turnout of 50-75%. Residents who have not yet cast their ballots for this year's general election can do so until 8 p.m. To check wait times at a nearby voting center, visit the Orange County Recorder's website. Republicans were confident that they would make gains in Congress in the midterm elections, especially with a lagging economy affected by inflation or recession.
However, Democrats argued that the U. S. Supreme Court ruling nullifying the right to abortion would boost their candidates. Louis DeSipio, professor of political science at the University of California, Irvine, said that forecasting the results of the elections has been difficult due to political manipulation and polarization. The race between Porter, a Democrat from Irvine, and former Orange County GOP president Scott Baugh is close.
Outside groups have been broadcasting Baugh announcements, indicating that the race is coming soon. Mike Levin, Democrat from San Juan Capistrano, and Republican Brian Maryott, former mayor of San Juan Capistrano, are another close race. In other countywide races, Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Huntington Beach) faces Democrat Jay Chen in her bid for a second term. Young Kim (R-Placentia) confronts Democratic doctor Asif Mahmood.
Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) seeks to defend himself against the impeachment of Republican lawyer Christopher Gonzales. In addition to Congress, Orange County voters will decide three of the five seats on the county's Board of Supervisors. The focus is on the contest between Democratic incumbent Katrina Foley and Republican state senator to decide if Democrats have a majority on the board. Democrat Doug Chaffee, president of the county board, faces the challenge of another Democrat, Sunny Park. The Democratic mayor of Santa Ana, Vicente Sarmiento, is competing with fellow Democrat Kim Bernice Nguyen, councilor for Garden Grove.
Voters will also vote in the Assembly, the state Senate, city councils, school districts and judges. The vast majority of Orange County voters cast their ballot by mail in the June primary election according to the Voter Registry. Reflecting trends across California, voter turnout at the Orange County polls was low early Wednesday night. The county's Voter Registration office showed that approximately 19.2% of eligible voters cast their ballots in this year's primary; however some ballots mailed before Tuesday's deadline may still be pending. ORANGE COUNTY reported 26.95% voter turnout Tuesday afternoon.
Katie Porter thanked voters and those who supported her campaign and expressed her gratitude for having shared her vision for Orange County. If there is a Republican wave nationwide it will also spread to Orange County. Residents who have not yet cast their ballots for this year's general election can do so until 8 p.m.
