California has wrapped up its official voting process for the June primary, though some, including former President Donald Trump, have expressed skepticism about the state’s long voting durations.
The latest preliminary data puts statewide turnout at 40.8%. This marks an increase from 35% during the 2024 primary and 33.2% in 2022, according to the California Secretary of State.
Yet, experts note that while there’s been a short-term boost, turnout is still not where it used to be during stronger years since 2000, remaining considerably lower than before the 1980s. Historically, voter turnout in primaries was consistently over 40%.
Interestingly, California Democrats had aimed to boost participation by extensively promoting mail-in voting since 2016. Every voter receives a mail-in ballot, although it can potentially take up to a week longer if it’s postmarked on time.
“We’re not noticing a sizable uptick in turnout,” remarked Mindy Romero, director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy. “The differences in turnout across racial and ethnic lines are still pronounced. The statistics speak for themselves.”
Some experts argue that while mail-in voting may increase accessibility, it has led to prolonged counting periods. A recent report from the California Voter Foundation criticized the state’s vote-counting as the slowest in the nation, revealing that votes counted within two days of Election Day dropped from 81% in 2004 to just 66% in 2024.
“California boasts one of the most accessible voting systems globally, but long counting times are overshadowing these strengths,” stated Kim Alexander, president of the foundation. “When results take weeks, it opens the door for confusion and misinformation.”
Last month, frustration peaked when many Californians voiced concerns after the lead of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt evaporated days post-election due to late mail-in ballot counts. Trump chimed in, alleging the election was “rigged.”
Despite enhancements to mail-in voting, the sense that turnout is lacking has lingered for years. In the 2024 presidential election, California saw a 71% turnout, which was notably five percentage points less than in 2004.
A study by the Public Policy Institute of California concluded in 2025 that the expanded mail-in voting laws have generally not achieved their initial goal of making electoral districts more representative.
Experts suggest that turnout is influenced by more than just access to mail-in ballots. Eric McGee, a senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, noted that turnout in the latest primary was relatively high due to an increased level of competition among candidates.
California’s mail-in voting system may endure despite Trump’s critiques.
In reaction to a recent Supreme Court ruling permitting states to continue counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day, California Republicans expressed discontent. GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton warned that this could undermine confidence in California’s elections, labeling it as a pathway to dubious and anti-democratic practices.
