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NewsTelemundo 52 — LocalJuly 2, 2026United States

California's Efforts to Boost Voter Turnout and the Impact on Election Results

California has implemented numerous reforms over the last decade to make voting more accessible, but data shows these changes have not significantly increased voter turnout. Instead, these policies have led to a much slower ballot counting process, drawing national scrutiny and prompting the state to allocate new funding to speed up tabulations.

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Why It Matters

The state has allocated $29 million in the new budget to accelerate ballot counting, addressing concerns about the slow pace of election results which currently lag behind other large states.

Key Facts

  • The state budget includes $29 million to help accelerate the ballot 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.
  • Nearly 85% of eligible voters are registered, compared to 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 indicate that the Voter’s Choice Act did not consistently improve turnout for any specific racial or ethnic group.
  • 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 allowed 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 identity verification.

Who's Mentioned

personMindy Romero“Director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy.”personDonald Trump“Former President who has criticized California's slow election counting process.”organizationDepartment of Justice“Federal agency that initiated an investigation into Los Angeles County elections”organizationCenter for Inclusive Democracy“Non-partisan research group studying voting trends.”personAlex Padilla“U.S. Senator and former California Secretary of State who oversaw early voting r”personJerry Brown“Former Governor who signed the Voter’s Choice Act.”organizationCalifornia Voter Foundation“Non-partisan group that tracks election data.”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California whose office has acknowledged the need for faster vote co”personKim Alexander“President of the California Voter Foundation.”organizationPublic Policy Institute of California“Research institute that studied the impact of the Voter’s Choice Act.”