SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - County election offices are bustling with activity as they get ready for the big election on November 3.

Just outside of the voting area at the Shasta County Office of Elections, a line of people waited to vote. Meanwhile, at the ballot box, there was a steady stream of people dropping off their ballots.

“If you don't get involved and vote, then you don't have a right to complain with how things work,” said Bard Rickey who came to vote.

In 2016, just 18 days before the election, the Shasta County Office of Elections saw more than 8000 ballots returned. But this year’s numbers have skyrocketed.

“We are three times the normal number we saw four years ago,” said Cathy Darling Allen, Shasta County Clerk & Registrar of Voters.

“Here in Shasta County, we have over 20,000 ballots returned.”

The number is only expected to grow.

“Certainly there is higher interest in this election than we’ve seen in many years,” Allen.

For first time voters, this election is especially important.

“Even if I feel my vote doesn’t matter it does matter cause I know other people are going to feel the same way,” said Bryce Kinsman, who voted for the first time. “I feel it can be tipped by one vote.”

As of October 16, the Shasta County Office of Elections has seen more than 20,000 people vote either by mail-in or in person.