Why today's election should not be missed

Your vote in today's election will affect the outcome more than in the last gubernatorial primary, in 2018, and much more than in the 2020 presidential primary.

That's because of expected low turnout: The lower the turnout, the more each vote cast will make a difference.

Unfortunately, the top-of-theticket race, whether it's for governor or for president, is a critical factor in whether many people bother to vote. This year, after Gov. Gavin Newsom's solid defeat of the 2021 recall, he faces minimal opposition to his reelection bid. It's been hard not to sleep through that race.

But there is much more on the ballot.

This is an election of great importance with an exceptional number of competitive seats, in large part because long-term officeholders are retiring and, in some cases, because incumbents are facing strong challengers crying out for change. It's an election not to be missed.

In the East and South Bay, of the four competitive races for seats in the state Legislature, three have no incumbent because of retirements or term limits.

In Santa Clara County, scandal is driving the sheriff out of office after six terms and creating a scramble to replace her. Term limits are forcing San Jose's mayor to retire, and the race to replace him along with the elections for four City Council seats could alter the city's political direction. Term limits are also forcing one of the county's five supervisors to step down; the election to replace him could similarly determine the political balance of the Board of Supervisors.

In Alameda County, last year's tragic death of a county supervisor has led to a very competitive race to replace her. The district attorney's decision to retire drew four candidates who want the job. As the sheriff completes his fourth term, he faces election competition for the first time in a race focused on fixing the county's deplorable jail conditions. And the county superintendent of schools, who oversees the fiscal solvency of local districts, confronts a challenge from a teacher-union-backed candidate.

In Contra Costa County, the assessor has faced weak or no opposition in his prior seven elections; this time is different as key political leaders tired of the incumbent's personal and professional antics are rallying behind his opponent. Police accountability is on the line as the sheriff and challenger to the district attorney argue that an officer convicted by a jury for shooting an unarmed motorist should not have been charged.

For the first time in county history, no incumbent is running for Contra Costa clerk-recorder, the post that oversees elections. Four candidates are vying for the job, one of whom was caught taking an opponent's campaign sign. And a county supervisor is retiring after 12 years on the board, triggering a five-way race to replace her.

There are also key races at the statewide level. California's controller can't run again because of term limits, so there's a rush of candidates seeking to serve as the independent watchdog. And the insurance commissioner's political scandals in his first term have prompted a strong challenge from within his own party.

Meanwhile, California's U.S. senator and state attorney general, both appointed to their jobs, are facing voters for the first time to keep the seats. The Senate race will help determine whether Democrats retain control of the upper house of Congress. The attorney general election will affect how we approach criminal justice reform in California.

So, maybe the race for governor isn't very exciting. But there's lots to interest anyone who cares about criminal justice, county services, cleaning up local government or the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.

This is not an election to miss. If you haven't already voted, be sure to do so today.

How to vote

All registered voters in California should already have received a ballot in the mail. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than today and received by June 14. Ballots also may be dropped off at vote centers and drop boxes. For voting and drop-off locations, go to caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.

Though the voter registration period officially ended May 23, Californians still can conditionally register today at election offices and voting locations and cast a provisional ballot.