California’s election results from the June 2 primary remain unsettled, largely due to the state’s vote-by-mail system. Election law expert Hans von Spakovsky explains that this system can extend the ballot verification and counting process for days or even weeks beyond Election Day.

Factors Contributing to Delays

Von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at Advancing American Freedom, identifies four key reasons for the prolonged counting process: mass mail voting, a seven-day post-Election Day ballot receipt window, a 22-day period for curing signature issues, and the high volume of provisional ballots requiring individual investigation.

The Los Angeles mayoral race, featuring Republican-aligned candidate Spencer Pratt and Democrat-aligned Nithya Raman, is among the races affected by these delays. The outcome will determine who advances to the November runoff against incumbent Democrat Karen Bass.

Concerns Over Mail-In Ballots

Von Spakovsky highlights that California’s mail-ballot rules are particularly concerning as they significantly slow down the counting process. With the majority of ballots cast by mail, election officials need additional time for verification and processing before counting, extending the timeline for final results.

California law allows mail-in ballots to be counted if received up to seven days after Election Day, provided they are postmarked by Election Day. However, if postmarks are missing or unclear, the date written by the voter inside the envelope is used, which von Spakovsky argues could invite fraud or irregularities.

Political Reactions

President Donald Trump has criticized California’s election process, with U.S. attorneys investigating potential election fraud in Los Angeles. Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, confirmed ongoing investigations into election fraud, emphasizing the importance of counting every legal vote.

Democrats, including Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, have downplayed concerns over the ballot counting process, urging patience as democracy takes its course. California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for swift vote tabulation to maintain confidence in the electoral process and prevent misinformation.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.