Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON / AFP / Getty Images
Vote counting in California's primary election continues, with over three million ballots still uncounted as of late Thursday night. According to the California Secretary of State, mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days will be counted. This extended timeline is due to California's mail-in voting system, which aims to ensure accuracy and voter participation.
President Donald Trump has accused Democrats of attempting to "steal" the governor and Los Angeles mayor primaries. However, California election officials maintain that the slow count is necessary for accuracy, not indicative of fraud. California Secretary of State Shirley Weber emphasized that the process protects voters' rights and ensures election integrity.
Despite these assurances, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed multiple election fraud investigations are underway in coordination with the FBI. Essayli, a Trump appointee, criticized California's election system, citing vulnerabilities in the vote-by-mail process and lack of voter ID requirements. He stated his office's commitment to prosecuting any violations of federal election law.
Election experts and officials, including those from the Los Angeles County Registrar's Office, have defended the state's voting system. They argue that the extended counting period is a standard part of California's process, designed to accommodate the large volume of mail-in ballots.
Essayli's office is also working with Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon on an audit of California's voter rolls, following a lawsuit by the Justice Department regarding voter registration verification. The case is currently before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.