CA Counties Split on Election Result Speed After State Funding
- CA Politics 360 surveyed all 58 counties regarding result processing speeds.
- Only 24 counties responded to the survey, with 15 expecting faster results.
- The California Legislature allocated $34 million to improve election processing.
- Los Angeles County received $8 million in state funding for upgrades.
- Most responding counties plan to release results two to three times per week.
A CA Politics 360 survey of 24 California county registrars shows mixed expectations regarding the speed of election results compared to the June primary. While the survey reached out to all 58 counties, Los Angeles and San Francisco did not participate.
Of the responding counties, 15 expect to process results faster than they did during the June primary. Nine counties do not expect to see an improvement in their processing speeds.
Legislature allocates $34 million to boost election processing
The California Legislature allocated $34 million to counties this summer to improve voter outreach, education, and the speed of election result processing. Counties used the funding to cover overtime costs, hire additional staff, and purchase new equipment.
Every county surveyed reported receiving state funding except for Nevada County. Nevada County officials stated they already used their expected funds for early voting options and new scanning equipment.
Counties receive millions in state funding for election upgrades
Los Angeles County received $8 million in state funding to accelerate the processing of election results, according to a letter from the California State Association of Counties. San Diego County received $3.49 million to help expedite the processing of election results.
Orange County received $3.24 million to assist in speeding up the processing of election results. Contra Costa and Sacramento counties each received $1.1 million to help speed up their election result processing.
Madera County received $121,117.65 for staffing and technology upgrades. The county also received $20,882.35 for voter outreach and education.
Most counties plan to release election results two to three times weekly
Most counties responding to the survey plan to release election results two to three days per week. Sacramento County officials intend to release results twice a week and have published their schedule online.
San Joaquin County officials plan to release results on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, starting on Nov. 6.
Orange County and Sierra County officials plan to release election results at least every weekday. Sierra County election officials specifically plan to release election results on a daily basis.
Madera and Fresno officials weigh in on processing speeds
Madera County officials aim to process results faster, though they noted that outcomes depend on variables like voter turnout and behavior.
Fresno County officials do not expect faster processing speeds. They stated that "higher participation counts will prevent faster overall processing".
Local officials debate the impact of funding on election speed
Butte County officials said that funding cannot increase election speed and that state law requires changes. They noted that an attempt to use funds for a mobile voter assistance center failed because the equipment arrived too late.
Sacramento County officials advised that voters casting ballots early leads to faster tabulation and results. Fresno County officials advised that the best way to speed up results is for voters to return ballots early to avoid overwhelming processing capacity at the last minute.
Merced County officials stated they follow state law regarding ballot processing and that differing speeds in other states are due to different laws. Monterey County officials stated they are committed to accurate and efficient counting and that state resources help facilitate the canvass process.
June primary delays drive push for faster election results
Voters waited a week for results during the June primary, which caused frustration for Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers.
Nearly 22 million of the 26.7 million eligible voters in California were registered, according to Facebook reports.
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