California’s June primary election saw a significant number of mail ballots rejected, with state election data indicating that nearly 150,000 votes were not counted. The overwhelming majority of these rejections were attributed to late postmarks, a development that has intensified scrutiny of the state’s extensive vote-by-mail system and its administrative procedures. The data, released by the California Secretary of State’s Office, reveals that 148,241 mail ballots were rejected, constituting 1.73 percent of all mail ballots cast in the primary.
This figure represents an increase compared to previous primary elections. In 2024, 108,982 mail ballots were rejected, and in 2022, the number stood at 105,818. The leading cause for the recent rejections was late postmarks, accounting for 93,479 uncounted ballots. California law allows mail ballots to be received up to seven days after Election Day, but they must bear an Election Day postmark to be valid. Election officials and experts have noted that many of the rejected ballots appeared to have received postmarks after this critical deadline.
California has progressively expanded its mail-voting system in recent years, a key measure being the automatic distribution of ballots to all registered voters. Proponents of these changes argue they enhance voter accessibility and participation, while critics frequently voice concerns regarding ballot deadlines, the efficacy of verification procedures, and the inherent challenges in managing such a large-scale mail election system.
Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation, highlighted that the rise in ballots rejected for lateness raises questions concerning both postal operations and voter timing. Alexander emphasized that the problem largely stems from ballots receiving late postmarks, rather than their arrival beyond California’s seven-day acceptance window. Similarly, Mindy Romero, director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy, suggested that while ballot rejection rates can fluctuate between elections, the increase in late rejections in the recent primary warrants additional review. Her organization focuses on researching election participation and access.
The role of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has also become a focal point in discussions about delayed ballot processing. Recent updates to USPS policies permit some postmarks to reflect the date mail is processed at specific facilities, rather than the initial date it entered the postal system. This procedural change has led election officials and other observers to express concerns about its potential impact on the timely processing of election-related mail.
Beyond issues of lateness, thousands of other ballots were rejected for various reasons. The Associated Press reported that approximately 44,000 mail ballots were rejected because officials determined the voter’s signature did not match the signature on file. Additionally, over 8,300 ballots were uncounted due to a missing signature on the return envelope. Other reasons for rejection included voters having already submitted another ballot, missing ballots inside return envelopes, or multiple ballots being returned together in a single envelope.
The rejection rates were not uniform across California, displaying variations at the county level. Tulare County registered the highest mail-ballot rejection rate in the June primary at 3.52 percent. Alpine County and Merced County followed closely, each reporting a 3.36 percent rejection rate. State officials have not yet released a breakdown of rejected ballots based on political party registration.
California’s election system has also faced criticism for the extended duration required to finalize vote counts. The state’s substantial volume of mail ballots, coupled with procedures that allow extra time for ballots to arrive and be processed, means that final election results can take weeks to certify. This contrasts with some other states that complete certification processes more rapidly. President Donald Trump has consistently criticized California’s election procedures, including the prolonged vote counting periods. His administration’s Department of Justice has also initiated an investigation into election practices in Los Angeles County. The emergence of these rejected ballot figures comes at a time when election administration remains a significant national issue, with ongoing debates surrounding ballot deadlines, voter verification measures, and the necessary safeguards to uphold public confidence in election results. California officials and election observers continue to analyze the state’s vote-by-mail system, including its processing timelines and administrative requirements, in preparation for future elections.
