NewsTelemundo 52 — CaliforniaJuly 2, 2026United States
California's Efforts to Increase Voter Turnout Show Limited Results
Despite years of legislative changes designed to make voting more accessible, California has seen little improvement in voter turnout rates. These reforms, including universal mail-in ballots and same-day registration, have significantly slowed the state's vote-counting process, drawing national scrutiny.
Read the full story at Telemundo 52 — CaliforniaWhy It Matters
The state has allocated $29 million in the new budget to speed up the vote-counting process, which currently lags behind other large states and often delays election results for weeks.
Key Facts
- California allocated $29 million in the latest state budget to help accelerate the vote-counting process.
- Voter turnout in the June primary was 40.8%.
- The percentage of ballots counted within two days of the election dropped from 81% in 2004 to 66% in 2024.
- California has over 23 million registered voters, the highest in the nation.
- Approximately 85% of eligible voters in California are registered, up from 70% two decades ago.
- The Voter’s Choice Act of 2016 aimed to increase turnout by expanding mail-in voting and replacing traditional polling places with community centers.
- Studies show turnout in the 2024 presidential election was 71%, 5 percentage points lower than in 2004.
- Turnout in the 2022 midterm elections was 51%, the same rate as in 2002.
- White residents make up 36% of the adult population but 50% of likely voters; Latinos make up 38% of adults but 29% of likely voters.
- Mail-in ballots can be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days.
- Voters are permitted to register to vote on Election Day.
- Election officials are required to contact voters if a signature on a mail-in ballot does not match the registration record to allow for verification.
Who's Mentioned
personDonald Trump“Former President who has criticized California's slow vote-counting process.”personMindy Romero“Director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy.”organizationPublic Policy Institute of California“Research institute that studied the impact of the Voter’s Choice Act.”organizationCenter for Inclusive Democracy“Non-partisan research group studying voting trends.”organizationCalifornia Voter Foundation“Non-partisan group that tracks election data.”personKim Alexander“President of the California Voter Foundation.”personAlex Padilla“U.S. Senator and former California Secretary of State.”organizationDepartment of Justice“Federal agency that initiated an investigation into Los Angeles County elections”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California whose office has expressed concern over the slow pace of ”personJerry Brown“Former Governor who signed the Voter’s Choice Act.”