BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) California’s slow vote counting has long drawn scrutiny, and new data is adding to the debate over voting by mail.
The Associated Press reported that nearly 150,000 California voters had their mail-in ballots rejected.
In Kern County, just over 97% of ballots were accepted.
Of the ballots that were not accepted, more than 3,000 were not received on time.
AP: Nearly 150,000 California mail ballots rejected as slow vote counts drag on (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
“It doesn’t seem like a number that’s terribly material to me. But again, I think the election offices seek to be as perfect as they can,” said Tal Eslick.
Political experts noted that no election system is flawless and that with millions of ballots cast across California, mistakes can happen.
“If you think of it if you have a hundred people do any one thing, you’re probably going to have at least three or four do things that are completely different than anybody else,” Eslick said.
The report comes as President Donald Trump continues to criticize mail in ballots.
“That’s nothing compared to what’s going on in California, Minnesota, and so many other states. And hopefully there will be no mail in ballots. Mail in ballots are inherently corrupt,” Trump said.
AP: Nearly 150,000 California mail ballots rejected as slow vote counts drag on (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
In a statement, the California Secretary of State’s office said:
Our office has diligently advised those who vote by mail to cast their ballot in a timely manner. We issued substantial messaging making the public aware of changes that may impact their ballots being received on time and provided alternative methods to ensure their vote can be counted.
Eslick said the data could encourage voters to return ballots earlier ahead of the upcoming general election.
AP: Nearly 150,000 California mail ballots rejected as slow vote counts drag on (KRCR)
“I hope if anything it would encourage voters to turn in their ballots on time. Again, elections aren’t a surprise its really pretty mind numbing to me that we are so accommodating because you know when it’s coming,” he said.