California Primary Delays: 3.6 Million Ballots Await Counting Amidst Rigorous Verification
June 6, 2026
Across the state, about 5.6 million ballots have been processed, with Los Angeles County counting roughly 1.4 million and around 700,000 ballots still awaiting processing.
Experts emphasize that the slow count is a result of thorough verification and accuracy, not fraud, and caution that timelines remain fluid due to mail-in ballots and signature checks.
County officials are required to report updated tallies of unprocessed ballots to the secretary of state starting two days after Election Day and then daily until counting is complete.
The slowdown is especially pronounced in Los Angeles County because of its large voter base and meticulous signature verification, which can influence outcomes and frustrate voters.
Ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days will still be counted, keeping the tally evolving after Election Day.
California primary results remain undetermined as of June 5, 2026, due to a large number of unprocessed ballots.
An estimated 3.6 million ballots remain to be counted statewide, primarily vote-by-mail ballots, with potential implications for several undecided races.
Summary based on 1 source
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Los Angeles Times • Jun 5, 2026
Millions of ballots still need to be counted in California: What we know - Los Angeles Times