With sample ballots being prepped for mail out, election officials in Orange County are urging voters to take a close look at the lengthy list of items to be voted on.
On Monday, a team of proofreaders meticulously went through the 277 ballots to be sent to precincts throughout the county. Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles said the arduous task is one of several ensuring the ballots are mistake free.
"If you have not pre-read them, done your homework on them, they can be very confusing," Cowles said.
While the ballot is half the size Orange County voters saw in the last presidential election, a combination of charter questions and constitutional amendments may make it overwhelming for some.
"So it makes for a very long ballot, but we want the voters to take their sample ballot and use that, study it," Cowles said.
Election officials recommend voters fill out their sample ballot before arriving at their precinct. They're trying to avoid long lines, which forced polling places to stay open late in 2012. Cowles said an educated voter will go a long way toward a smooth voting process.
"This is the presidential election. We know it's going to be the highest turnout election we've done in Orange County's history," Cowles said.