How California is preparing for Donald Trump’s midterm election scrutiny | Donald Trump News
Voting from Home: California’s Mail-In System Under Scrutiny
California’s mail-in voting system has come under renewed scrutiny, particularly from former President Donald Trump. The use of mail-in ballots surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the state to pass a law in 2021 that mandates the automatic mailing of ballots to every registered voter. In the 2024 election, more than 80% of voters in California utilized mail-in ballots, with Santa Clara County reporting even higher participation rates.
Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters, Mark Moreles, noted that over 90% of voters in his jurisdiction opted for mail-in ballots. Notably, the county processed more mail-in ballots in the last general election than the entirety of Texas, which accepted approximately 342,000 mail-in votes. In contrast, Santa Clara County sent out over one million ballots, indicating strong voter confidence in the mail-in voting system.
According to Moreles, this widespread adoption suggests that voters do not share Trump’s skepticism regarding mail-in voting. “They like the accessibility of it. They must believe it’s secure as well,” he stated.
However, mail-in ballots can continue to arrive after polls close, which can lead to fluctuating vote tallies in the days and weeks following an election. In California, ballots are considered valid if postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days thereafter. Trump has cited these delayed vote counts and shifting numbers as indicators of potential fraud.
Some Democrats have expressed the desire for a quicker voting process. While state law requires elections to be certified within 30 days, Moreles emphasized the importance of taking time to ensure accuracy. “For the folks who are living here and are used to it, it makes sense and, to a lot of people, is reassuring. Taking the time to get it right is something that intuitively makes sense to people,” he said.
Adding to the complexity, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision on August 24, allowed the Trump administration to move forward with a March executive order imposing new restrictions on mail-in voting. This order could affect both the design of mail-in ballots and eligibility for voters seeking them.
State officials have raised concerns regarding the feasibility of redesigning and reprinting ballots with the approaching midterm elections, as early voting begins in some states as soon as September. Additionally, there are worries that ongoing legal disputes may confuse or deter voters relying on mail-in ballots.
In response to these challenges, California announced it would co-lead a coalition of 24 state attorneys general in a lawsuit aimed at blocking the executive order. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the state’s commitment to defending democracy in a statement regarding the suit: “Donald Trump does not run elections. States do. And his latest attack on democracy is proof of how weak he has become. California will continue to lead the way in defending democracy — using every tool at our disposal and every minute in our day. This perilous moment in history demands no less from us.”
A subsequent court order remains in place, temporarily pausing part of Trump’s plan regarding mail-in ballots.
