With one week to go, early voting return rates lag behind 2020.

Data compiled by Political Data Intelligence show that 21% of Fresno County voters through Monday had returned ballots — through the mail, drop boxes, or in-person voting.

That compares to 30% eight days before the 2020 presidential election.

Return Rates Higher in North Fresno

The city of Fresno has returned ballots at a rate of 20% — with Democrats getting their votes in at a seven-point higher clip.

However, two races, based primarily in north Fresno, are outpacing the city’s overall ballot return rate.

In the lone city council race — District 6 based in northeast Fresno — voters have returned 28% of ballots. The split is 16 points Republican, fitting since candidates Roger Bonakdar and Nick Richardson are registered Republicans.

The contrast is more stark in the two Fresno County supervisor races. District 2, based mostly in north Fresno (but includes parts of Clovis and county islands), has a return rate of 27%. Both candidates — incumbent Steve Brandau and challenger Garry Bredefeld — are Republicans.

Republicans have an 11-point return rate edge in District 2.

Supervisor District 3 — based mainly in south Fresno, but includes county islands — had a return rate of 15%. The race features two Democrats — incumbent Sal Quintero and challenger Luis Chavez. Democrats have a 21-point return rate edge.

The city of Clovis voters had returned 26% of ballots through Oct. 26 — with an 18-point Republican lean.

Democrats Leading Congressional Returns

In the three congressional races in the Central Valley, Democrats have the return edge, but Republican returns are outpacing their overall registration.

In CA-13, Republican John Duarte defends his seat against Democrat Adam Gray. Voters have returned 17% of the ballots, with a five-point Democrat edge.

Republicans are 30% of the district, but 38% of returns. Democrats represent 43% of the voter returns, two points greater than the overall district registration.

Republican Rep. David Valadao is running against Democrat Rudy Salas in CA-22. Democrats have a five-point return edge.

In this district, Republicans are returning at a higher rate (38%) than they represent in the district (27%).

Things are looking better for incumbent Democrat Jim Costa in CA-21. Democrats have a nine-point return advantage. He is being challenged by Republican businessman Michael Maher.

Both parties’ returns are outpacing registration. Democrats have returned 45% and make up 41% of the district. Republicans have 36% returns, with 27% of total registration.