Higher-Than-Average Voter Turnout Expected in Measure D Election

A special election for the San Gorgonio Memorial Health Care District has already seen higher-than-average voter turnout a day before voting ends, registrar officials said Monday.

Assistant Registrar of Voters Rebecca Spencer tells Banning-Beaumont Patch that of the 33,686 ballots issued in the mail-in election, 11,221 were returned as of Monday morning.

Normally, in a small, standalone election such as this one for Measure D, less than 20% of voters participate, according to Spencer.  Since 33% of voters have already mailed back their ballots, and more are expected to be dropped off Monday and Tuesday, this election is sure to buck the lower-turnout trend.

Voters are posed with one question on the ballot—do they wish to pass the , which is up for renewal this May?

The $49 annual tax will provide funding for 's emergency room, according to the hospital.

In 2001, voters in the district approved a special parcel tax of $38, for a 10 year period that ends June 30.

The Healthcare District serves voters in the cities Banning, Beaumont, Cherry Valley, Calimesa, Cabazon and surrounding areas.

If you have not turned in your ballot, the at the district’s main office at 600 N. Highland Springs Ave. in Banning by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 1. 

You can also drop off your ballot outside the main entrance of the registrar’s office at 2724 Gateway Drive in Riverside.  There is a 24-hour drop-box.

All ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Tuesday.