MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Merced County workers were seen collecting mail-in ballots Monday afternoon.

With less than 24 hours until the election, Registrar of Voters Mel Levey says it’s been a busy time.

“We’ve had staff working long hours, every day to staff the voting centers,” Levey said.

He’s noticed a lot of early voting activity this year.

As of Monday morning, more than 40,000 votes had been cast in the county.

“Our previous highest turnout for Merced County was just under 79% in November 2020. I think we’ll get pretty close to that if we don’t surpass it. And that would tell us that at least 100,000 votes could be cast for this election.” . ” Levy said.

Merced resident Mike Conway and his wife were just two of dozens of people who cast their ballots.

Conway believes it is important to participate in the democratic process.

“I think one of the main issues is a woman’s right to choose, housing is a big issue and there are a number of things on that ballot, basically I think if you have any type of issue that you face, it’s on the ballot. this year,” Conway said.

The Federal Reserve says it plans to cut interest rates by a quarter point on Thursday, regardless of what happens during the election.

But future actions could depend on the policies of the next administration.

Whatever the outcome, Conway hopes people will lead with kindness toward one another.

“On Wednesday the sun will rise, the birds will sing and things may not be normal, but life will go on,” Conway said.

On Election Day, voting centers across the county will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For voter information, you can go to county website.