NewsNBC Bay Area — CaliforniaJuly 2, 2026United States
Why California's Ballot Counting Takes So Long and Whether Voting Changes Are Working
California's efforts to increase voter turnout through expanded mail-in voting and registration options have not led to significant participation gains, while simultaneously slowing down the state's ballot counting process. Despite these changes, voter turnout remains stagnant compared to historical levels, and the state has allocated $29 million in its new budget to improve the speed of election results.
Read the full story at NBC Bay Area — CaliforniaWhy It Matters
California residents face extended periods before election results are finalized, and the state is investing $29 million in taxpayer funds to address the slow counting process while researchers debate the effectiveness of past voting reforms.
Key Facts
- The state budget includes $29 million to help speed up the ballot counting process.
- Turnout for the June primary was 40.8%.
- The percentage of ballots counted within two days of Election Day dropped from 81% in 2004 to 66% in 2024.
- California has over 23 million registered voters, an increase of 7.5 million since 2006.
- Nearly 85% of eligible Californians are registered to vote, up from 70% two decades ago.
- The 2016 Voter’s Choice Act aimed to increase turnout by expanding mail-in voting and community voting centers.
- Turnout in the 2024 presidential election was 71%, which is 5 percentage points lower than in 2004.
- Mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day are counted if they arrive up to seven days late.
- California allows same-day voter registration at election offices.
- Election officials must verify signatures on mail-in ballots and provide voters a chance to correct signature mismatches.
Who's Mentioned
personDonald Trump“Former President who has criticized California's slow vote counting.”personMindy Romero“Director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy.”organizationPublic Policy Institute of California“Nonpartisan research group that studies voting trends.”organizationCalifornia Voter Foundation“Nonpartisan research group that tracks election data.”personKim Alexander“President of the California Voter Foundation.”personBob Page“Orange County Registrar of Voters.”personAlex Padilla“U.S. Senator and former California Secretary of State.”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California whose office acknowledged the slow pace of counting.”