California voters head to the polls Tuesday for the state’s primary election, kicking off the race for November’s general election. While many have already cast ballots by mail, millions more are expected to vote in person as they weigh in on races for governor, Congress, local offices and ballot measures. Here’s what you need to know.
Why does it take so long to count the votes in California?
California’s vote count often stretches beyond Election Day because officials must verify signatures, process millions of vote-by-mail ballots, and conduct required audits before certifying results.
State law gives county election officials up to 30 days after an election to complete the official canvass, count every valid ballot, and perform post-election checks to ensure accuracy.
California voters will head to the polls Tuesday for the state’s primary election, kicking off the race toward November’s general election. AP Photo/William LiangWhen will results come in?
Initial election results begin appearing shortly after the polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, but those numbers are unofficial and can change as additional ballots are processed.
Early in-person votes and mail-in ballots that came in during the first weeks of voting will be released as the state’s initial results.
Because California accepts vote-by-mail ballots that can be postmarked by Election Day and received later, final results in close races may not be known for days or even weeks.
Polling places and vote centers across California close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. REUTERSHow does California’s top-two primary system work?
California uses a top-two primary system for most stateside, congressional and legislative races. Under the system, all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of political party.
The two candidates who receive the most votes advance to the general election in November, even if they belong to the same party.
State law gives county election officials up to 30 days after an election to complete the official canvass, count every valid ballot, and perform post-election checks to ensure accuracy. AFP via Getty ImagesWhat time do polling places close?
Polling places and vote centers across California close at 8 p.m. As long as a voter is in line by 8 p.m., he or she is entitled to cast a ballot. Vote-by-mail ballots can also be returned at vote centers, polling places, and official drop boxes until the same deadline.
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