California’s vote counting process has often been criticized for its duration compared to other regions, including India, which is known for its efficiency in handling large-scale elections: In recent elections, California has taken significantly longer to count votes compared to the immediate results seen in some other states.
California has a high percentage of mail-in ballots, which require additional steps for verification, including signature checking, which delays the counting process. Ballots can be counted if postmarked by Election Day and received up to a week later, extending the counting period. Efforts to increase voter accessibility, like same-day registration and provisional ballots, add to the complexity and time needed for vote tallying. There are set deadlines for when results must be certified, which can extend past the day of the election, contributing to the perception of slow counting.
In contrast, India manages to count votes for its massive electorate with notable speed, India’s election process for its 640 million voters (in some elections) is completed in a single day for the counting phase, thanks to a highly organized system with extensive manpower and technology, despite the logistical challenges posed by its size and diversity.
The use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) since the early 2000s has significantly sped up the counting process. These machines are counted manually but at a rapid pace because of the sheer number of counters involved. There’s a growing frustration among the public and political figures in California regarding the slow pace of vote counting. Some have suggested adopting technologies or systems similar to those used in India to streamline the process, although this would require significant changes in election laws and infrastructure.
The extended vote count in California has been linked to increased distrust among some voters, as the delay in final results can lead to speculation and conspiracy theories about the integrity of the election process. Efforts are underway to possibly speed up the process through legal changes, like earlier processing of mail-in ballots and better voter education on timely ballot submission. This comparison highlights a contrast in election management philosophies; California prioritizes voter accessibility and security, which inherently slows down the counting, whereas India’s system is geared towards rapid, large-scale execution with a different approach to technology and human resources.
