California has received ten times as many ballots as this time in 2016

(CNN) California has received ten times as many ballots than at this time in the 2016 general election, with 1.5 million ballots returned so far, according to the Secretary of State. 

There are more than 21 million registered voters in the state. 

The huge numbers are a sign of both tremendous voter enthusiasm and voters heeding the call to vote early.

"More Californians voting early will mean a safer Election Day for everyone—voters, poll workers, and elections officials alike. By voting early, you help preserve in-person voting for those who need it—including our neighbors with disabilities, those who need language assistance, or those who need access to Same Day Voter Registration," Secretary of State Alex Padilla said in a statement.