Why California Election Results Take Longer Than Other States to Settle

Why counting takes time

California accepts vote-by-mail ballots postmarked on or before Election Day if they arrive within seven days. Provisional ballots must also be counted, according to the secretary of state.

Officials check each mail ballot’s envelope signature against signatures on file. County election offices have as many as 30 days after Election Day to complete the count. The Alaska Division of Elections says its process is deliberately slow and methodical to ensure accuracy.

Close races can shift

In the Los Angeles mayoral primary, Republican Spencer Pratt was initially in second place on election night. After more ballots were counted, Democrat Nithya Raman moved ahead of him.

Mail ballots draw scrutiny

The Supreme Court last month rejected the Trump administration’s effort to restrict mail voting for now. That left in place a lower-court ruling blocking new U.S. Postal Service restrictions.

Trump has repeatedly alleged election fraud and criticized mail voting. A White House spokesperson said he backs limited exceptions, including for illness, disability, military service or travel, but opposes universal mail voting. A Brookings Institution analysis from November 2025 found fraud in mail voting is rare.

Officials defend voting process

As of Oct. 25, the University of Florida’s Election Lab reported that registered Democrats accounted for 50% of California mail ballots accepted by the state, while registered Republicans accounted for 29%. The remaining 21% came from voters with no party affiliation or a minor-party registration.

California Secretary of State Weber said voting in the state is secure and reliable. Gov. Gavin Newsom said mail voting is accessible and encouraged Californians to participate in November.