California's election results remain unsettled due to the state's vote-by-mail system, according to election law expert Hans von Spakovsky. He stated that the process can extend ballot verification and counting for days or weeks after Election Day. The state is still counting ballots from its June 2 primary elections, a delay attributed to its electoral system's structure, which includes several factors that prolong the timeline for certifying final results.
Von Spakovsky identified four main reasons for the delays: the predominance of mail voting, a seven-day post-Election Day ballot receipt window, a 22-day period for resolving signature issues, and a high volume of provisional ballots requiring individual investigation. He noted that California's mail-ballot rules significantly slow the counting process, as the majority of ballots are cast by mail, necessitating additional verification time.
In the Los Angeles mayoral race, Republican candidate Spencer Pratt is awaiting results to determine if he will advance to the runoff election against incumbent Democrat Karen Bass. Other candidates in the state's jungle primary include former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Republican Steve Hilton, and Democrat Tom Steyer.
Von Spakovsky expressed concern over the counting process, particularly regarding postmarks on ballots, which can lead to complications if they are missing or unclear. He criticized California's election rules for being too lenient, suggesting that policies such as not requiring voter ID and automatic voter registration could invite irregularities.
California is one of eight states that automatically sends mail ballots to all active registered voters. President Donald Trump has indicated that U.S. attorneys are investigating the state's election process amid ongoing concerns about election integrity. Democrats, including Becerra, have downplayed these concerns, asserting that the counting process is essential for ensuring every vote is counted accurately. California Governor Gavin Newsom has emphasized the importance of building confidence in the electoral process and addressing misinformation surrounding vote counting.
