California Primary Election: Uncounted Ballots and Tight Races

An estimated 3.6 million ballots remain to be counted following California’s primary election, according to the state’s secretary of state. As of Thursday 6 p.m., these ballots are primarily vote-by-mail ballots. They could shift outcomes in several undecided races.

Processed ballots so far total approximately 5.6 million. In L.A. County, around 1.4 million have been counted; 700,000 more need processing. Vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by election day and arriving within seven days will be counted. County officials must provide daily updates to the secretary of state starting two days post-election.

Election experts advise patience regarding the primary outcomes, including tight races for governor and Los Angeles mayor. They emphasize accuracy over speed. “People have many ways to vote, resulting in longer counting,” said Loyola Marymount University law professor Jessica Levinson.

“We allow people lots of different avenues to vote, and as a result it takes longer to count up all the votes,” said Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University.

The latest vote count for California governor shows Republican Steve Hilton at 27% followed by Democrats Xavier Becerra at 26% and Tom Steyer at 20%. L.A. County still has an estimated 688,000 votes left to count. The two top candidates will advance to November’s election.

Despite Hilton and Becerra leading, the race remains undecided. The Associated Press has yet to announce a conclusion. Karen Bass, running for Los Angeles mayor, has secured a November spot, but her challenger remains undetermined as results unfold.

Los Angeles mayoral challenges include reality TV personality Spencer Pratt currently and City Councilmember Nithya Raman in third. Pratt has already declared victory, but the Associated Press has not confirmed.

Orange County’s three congressional races reveal clearer progress for how this region will emerge come November.

The ongoing election for Shasta County registrar includes Clint Curtis, known for election denialism, against Joanna Francescut.

Mayor Karen Bass had a resounding campaign, securing a November runoff spot helped by a coalition of supporters. Her main competitors were Pratt and Raman.

President Trump recently made unfounded claims of election fraud. He suggested federal inquiries were underway in California.

Bonta advanced to the general election for Attorney General as the Associated Press projected.

Los Angeles County still has vast amounts of ballots left. Dean Logan, L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, provided an update on ongoing ballot counting.