California is nearing the end of the ballot counting from its June 2 primary, a process that has been slowed down by multiple changes intended to boost turnout by making voting easier and more accessible.
Voter Turnout Numbers
Turnout hit 40.8% in the June primary, according to preliminary figures from the secretary of state’s office. While that was an increase over the previous two primary elections, it was below participation levels in several other primaries stretching back to 2000 and nowhere near participation in the 1970s, when primary turnout sometimes topped 70%.
Wide gaps also remain in participation by younger voters and voters of color, according to the Center for Inclusive Democracy, a nonpartisan research group. The state’s most consistent voters remain older, white, more affluent homeowners.
Changes to Voting Process
Over the years, California has ushered in a series of changes aimed at driving up voter participation. Those changes have sometimes come with a price, lengthening the time it takes to count ballots.
Every voter receives a mail-in ballot that can arrive at an election office seven days late and still be counted, provided the envelope is postmarked by Election Day. Residents also can sign up to vote on Election Day if they missed the registration deadline or had not updated their voter registration information.
Each envelope containing a mail ballot must match the signature on file, and that takes time. If a signature does not match, election officials are required to give those voters a chance to come in and prove their identity so the ballot will count, further delaying a final tally.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
