Why Counting Ballots Takes Time in California

California’s ballot counting process tends to take longer than expected, prompting many to question the reasons behind the delay. Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation, frequently addresses this issue. With the state’s recent primary elections drawing attention, Alexander emphasizes the importance of accuracy over speed in the vote-counting process.

As voters anticipate results in tight races, like those for governor and the Los Angeles mayor, election watchdogs stress the accuracy of the count. Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University, explains that allowing various voting avenues inherently extends the time needed for counting. This variety ensures the integrity of the election process.

Yet, Alexander argues for a quicker process. A drawn-out count can erode voter confidence and invite criticism and misinformation. The volume of ballots processed contributes significantly to delays. More than 16 million Californians voted in November 2024, surpassing the population of most states. The rise in mail voting adds complexity, requiring additional time for receiving, verifying, and counting ballots.

California law permits ballots postmarked by election day to be accepted up to seven days later. This leniency combined with the verification process, especially for mail ballots, creates a bottleneck effect. Signature mismatches or absentee signatures further complicate the process, requiring voter notification and correction opportunities.

In November 2024, 0.6% of mail ballots went uncounted due to signature issues, according to the California Voter Foundation. Alexander and the foundation advocate several improvements, such as enhancing funding for county elections offices to expand their capacity. Efforts to introduce a text-based system for resolving signature issues are underway, supported by legislation like Assembly Bill 2604.

Encouraging earlier ballot submissions from voters and expanding in-person voting options can streamline the process. For instance, Placer County’s pilot program allowing on-site scanning of mail ballots reduced processing time significantly.

Despite the inherent challenges, these measures aim to refine the process while maintaining accuracy and integrity in California’s elections.