Samantha Rivera had a significant day on Monday.

“I want to cry,” she expressed. “I believed my vote didn’t count.”

She voted for the first time in her life, joining others at the Santa Clara Registrar of Voters who chose to vote early and in person.

Voters arrived early to ensure their participation.

“I wanted to make sure I submitted my vote so I wouldn’t have to rush on Tuesday,” said one voter from Santa Clara County.

By Monday afternoon, the registrar of voters reported that around 40% of the county’s registered voters had already cast their ballots. “Today, I decided to avoid the large crowds tomorrow and get it done early,” said Morris Ceesay from San Jose.

“I feel like people are excited to take part in the process,” noted Evelyn Mendez of the Santa Clara Registrar of Voters. “They enjoy walking in, handing their ballot to someone, putting on their sticker, and getting a flag.”

A similar atmosphere was observed inside Santa Clara’s Central Park Library.

“I think I would feel a bit anxious doing it on the actual day,” said Angelina Valenza from Santa Clara. “I just wanted to ensure everything was completed, that I was prepared, and that I had everything in order. I want to be part of it.”