California’s primary election results remain incomplete as officials continue counting 3.6 million ballots, primarily mail-in votes, according to the secretary of state. The slow tallying process has left key races, including the Los Angeles mayoral primary and gubernatorial contest, unresolved.
Core Facts:
- 3.6 million ballots remain uncounted statewide, with 1.4 million counted in Los Angeles County alone.
- Seven-day window for mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day extends the counting period.
Deeper Context:
Why the Delays?:
Election experts attribute the delays to California’s mail-in ballot system, which allows votes postmarked by Election Day to be received up to seven days later. Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University, defended the process, stating it ensures accuracy over speed. Meanwhile, Hans von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at Advancing American Freedom, identified four factors contributing to the delays: widespread mail-in voting, signature verification, ballot curing, and administrative procedures.
Key Races Affected:
- Los Angeles mayoral primary: Republican-aligned Spencer Pratt and Democrat-aligned Nithya Raman vie for a runoff spot against incumbent Karen Bass.
- Gubernatorial primary: Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, Republican Steve Hilton, and Democrat Tom Steyer compete for the top two spots.
Official Responses:
Election watchdogs urge patience, emphasizing the process prioritizes integrity over speed. County officials must update ballot tallies daily until completion, per state law.
Public Reactions:
Critics argue the delays create uncertainty, while supporters highlight the system’s inclusivity. The Los Angeles Times editorial board framed the slow count as a sign of election integrity.