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NewsNBC Bay Area — PoliticsJuly 2, 2026United States

Why California's Ballot Counting Takes So Long and Whether Voting Changes Are Working

California has implemented numerous changes over the past decade to make voting more accessible, but data suggests these efforts have not significantly increased voter turnout. These same policies, such as universal mail-in ballots and extended registration periods, have contributed to a slower ballot-counting process compared to other states.

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Why It Matters

The state has allocated $29 million in the new budget to address the slow pace of vote counting, which has become a point of political contention and public scrutiny.

Key Facts

  • The state budget includes $29 million to improve the speed of ballot counting.
  • 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.
  • Mail-in ballots can be counted if postmarked by Election Day and received up to seven days later.
  • Voters may register or update registration on Election Day, with those ballots counted after verification.
  • The Voter's Choice Act of 2016 introduced statewide vote-by-mail and community voting centers to replace traditional polling places.
  • Research indicates that turnout for the 2024 presidential election was 71%, which is 5 percentage points lower than in 2004.
  • 2022 midterm turnout was 51%, the same rate as the midterm election 20 years prior.
  • White residents comprise 50% of likely voters in California despite being 36% of the adult population.
  • Latinos comprise 29% of likely voters despite being 38% of the adult population.

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“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 has expressed concern over the speed of vote”personJerry Brown“Former Governor who signed the Voter's Choice Act.”