I lived in California back in those days.
I voted for Ronald Reagan when I lived in California in 1980 and 1984, and so did my family members.
Back in 1980, the election was called for Reagan at around 3:00 PM Pacific time, before my family had even voted.
By the time my kin folk and I arrived at the polls, we knew who won the election. I remember being downright giddy as I arrived at the polling place, and I also remember the lady who signed me in complaining that the networks already had called the election for Reagan (it was about 6:00 PM in the East).
I remember listening to the woman speak, and I had a huge grin on my face knowing that Ronald Reagan has already won the election.
I fondly remember voting for George Deukmejian and to give the boot to Rose Bird in 1986.