California’s election process is once again extending beyond Election Day, primarily due to the state’s universal vote-by-mail system. This system, combined with California’s large population, means that counting ballots takes longer than in other states.

Mail-In Ballots and Counting Delays

In the 2024 general election, over 80% of the 16.1 million ballots cast were mail-in. State law permits these ballots to be received up to seven days after Election Day, provided they are postmarked on or before the election. This legal framework necessitates a thorough verification process before ballots can be officially counted.

Historically, ballots counted after Election Day in California tend to favor Democratic candidates. This year, data from Political Data, Inc., a Democratic-aligned firm, indicates that Democratic voters are returning their ballots more slowly than in previous elections, potentially amplifying this trend.

Impact on Key Races

In the gubernatorial race, Democratic former US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is well-positioned to secure a spot in the November election, given the typical post-Election Day Democratic shift. The second spot is contested between Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Democratic billionaire investor Tom Steyer.

In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has advanced to the November election. Initially, Republican former reality TV star Spencer Pratt was in second place, but progressive city councilmember Nithya Raman has been gaining ground. The final outcome remains uncertain as more ballots are counted.

Reactions to the Counting Process

Gubernatorial candidates have urged their supporters to be patient with the slower-than-usual results. Steyer’s campaign anticipates a larger share of Democratic votes to be counted later in the process. Meanwhile, Hilton, endorsed by former President Trump, has criticized the slow process but stated he has no concerns about the results’ validity.

Hilton expressed his frustration in an interview, calling it “ridiculous” that California’s system could take days or even weeks to finalize election results. This ongoing situation highlights the complexities and challenges of managing elections in a state as populous and diverse as California.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.