Election officials expect to have over 17 million ballots to count if 2020 turnout numbers hold 

Los Angeles — California voters have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to cast their in-person ballot or return a vote-by-mail ballot for the 2024 presidential election. As voters head to the polls, California Common Cause is reminding the public that it may several days for election officials to finalize results.  

“It’s crucial every voice is heard in this election and that means counting every vote,” said Russia Chavis Cardenas, voting rights and redistricting program manager for California Common Cause. “California has taken extraordinary steps in recent years to make sure we go the extra mile to count every eligible vote. A slow count isn’t a problem, it’s a virtue. It means elections officials are doing everything they can to count every legitimate ballot fairly and accurately.”

Before election officials can begin counting ballots, they must first process ballots, which includes checking to make sure the declaration on the outside of the envelope is signed by the voter, that the signature matches the signature on file, and that the voter is on the mail-in ballot list. If a voter’s signature is missing or does not match the signature on file, California law requires elections officials to notify that voter and give them an opportunity to “cure” the problem. All of these steps take time.

California is one of 38 states that permit election workers to begin processing ballots before Election Day, but election workers cannot begin reporting ballot counts before Election Day. Counting can begin up to 29 days before Election Day, but results cannot be accessed or shared with the public until all polls close on Election Day, and even then, election results are not final until the Secretary of State compiles the official statewide results during the officials canvass period in the 30 days after the election. 

“Even though we may not know the election winners when we go to bed, what matters most is making sure every eligible voter’s ballot is counted accurately,” added Cardenas. 

In 2020, 80.67% of California voters turned out to vote, with over 17 million ballots cast — the state record for total votes cast. 2020 saw 3,174,642 more votes than the previous record set during the November 2016 General Election, and the highest turnout of registered voters since the 1976 General Election. If trends continue, California can expect to see similar numbers again in this year’s presidential election.

To find 2024 California election results, click here.

Election Day Information

Voters who have questions about the voting process or who encounter problems can contact the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline:

• 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) – English 
• 888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682) – Spanish & English
• 888-API-VOTE (888-273-8683) – Asian Languages & English
• 844-YALLA-US (844- 925-5287) – Arabic & English

Voters who want to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 5, must: 

• Be registered to vote at their current address. California offers same-day voter registration, so if someone has not yet registered, they are still able to make their voices heard on Election Day at their polling place, or vote center.
• Vote in person or drop off their ballot at a polling place, vote center, or Drop Box. 
• Arrive at the polls during voting hours. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any voter in line to vote at 8 p.m. must be allowed to vote. 

Voters who voted by mail or who used a Drop Box can track their ballot using BallotTrax.