Voter turnout remains below levels from earlier decades
California is nearing the end of its ballot counting from the June 2 primary, with counties required to finish tabulation by Thursday, July 2, according to the Associated Press. The AP describes the process as a tediously slow one, and it results from multiple changes over the years intended to boost turnout by making voting easier and more accessible.
Preliminary figures from the California secretary of state’s office show that 40.8% of registered voters participated in the June primary. The AP reported that the figure represents an increase over the previous two primary elections but remains below participation levels recorded in several other California primaries dating back to 2000. It is well below the turnout seen in the 1970s, when primary participation sometimes exceeded 70%.
State data and voting experts suggest that the accessibility changes have not produced a significant improvement in overall voter engagement, the AP reported. The slow counting process, according to the AP, has drawn focus from President Donald Trump and from those who promote unfounded election conspiracy theories.