For the first time in recent memory and perhaps history, the number of registered Democratic voters in Riverside County outnumbers the ranks of registered Republican voters.
Data released by the county Registrar of Voters Office on Tuesday showed there are 347,713 registered Democrats and 346,309 registered Republicans, a gap of 1,404 voters. The gap appears to be growing; in data released this month, the parties were virtually tied, with Democrats holding a four-voter lead.
The change is a major victory for Democrats as they work to turn the once solidly red Inland Empire blue.
It's the first time in at least 17 years that Democrats have held an edge in voter registration here, according to Registrar Rebecca Spencer. The state's online voter registration records go back to 1999.
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