MARTINEZ — Election Day is still more than a week away, but many county election offices are already hard at work, counting ballots.
In Contra Costa County, almost everyone is expected to vote early or by mail.
County Clerk Kristen Connelly is in her first presidential election cycle since she was elected in 2022.
She’s taking the job to heart and embodying the theme of “voting” from head to toe.
“I think it’s fun and playful and I can be promoting our work without saying a word,” said Connelly.
She wears a necklace with the word “vote” on it, and her shoes are covered in “I voted stickers.”
She spends most of her days at the County Clerk’s office. The office has about 30 full-time employees and about 50 additional people who are on staff just for the election season.
She also talks with voters, like Maria Belo of Martinez.
Belo decided to go in and vote early. She hopes the clerk’s office will do everything they can to keep the elections safe and fair.