The Republican National Committee (RNC) has taken legal action against several states to prevent the counting of mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day. This move comes as California experiences significant delays in certifying election results, often taking nearly a month due to the high volume of mail-in voting.
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley expressed his concerns, stating, “It is absurd for California to accept ballots by mail up to a week after Election Day and take such a long time to count them.” He emphasized that the RNC, alongside the California Republican Party, will actively work to ensure that all states stop accepting ballots after the official election date.
In California, Republicans are closely monitoring the voting process, involving attorneys and observers to ensure transparency during voting, curing, and counting. The RNC has initiated a new effort focused on ballot management in collaboration with the National Republican Congressional Committee and a political action committee associated with Elon Musk.
Gates McGavick, a senior adviser to Whatley, mentioned that the election integrity operation had been active in California before, during, and after Election Day. This group is working diligently to maintain transparency throughout the entire electoral process.
The counting delays in California can be attributed to the overwhelming number of mail-in ballots, with nearly 90% of voters opting to cast their votes by mail in the last election. State law allows mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive within a week after. However, the verification process for these ballots can further extend the counting timeframe, with the final date to certify elections set for December 16.
As of now, several races in California remain undecided, including the closely contested 13th Congressional District, where Republican John Duarte is facing a challenge from Democrat Adam Gray.
Whatley commented on the need for comprehensive election reforms to protect voter integrity, pointing out that every vote counts in every state. He criticized recent laws signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom that have expanded mail-in voting, arguing that these measures undermine the security and integrity of the electoral system.
California is among 14 states that do not require voters to present identification at polling places. Recently, Huntington Beach, a conservative city in California, attempted to implement a voter ID requirement. However, Governor Newsom swiftly intervened to disable this local measure, citing concerns over voter access.
Criticism regarding extended vote counting is not just a California issue. Similar concerns have been raised in other states, including Pennsylvania and North Carolina. National and state Republican groups have challenged mail-in ballot counting under specific circumstances, reflecting a broader demand for strict adherence to election law.
In response to these issues, former President Donald Trump has commented on California’s voting laws, advocating for proof of citizenship and voter ID requirements in all elections. Meanwhile, Governor Newsom is mobilizing his administration to counteract Republican efforts and strengthen California’s voting laws, indicating a determination to protect the state’s values and extended voting measures.
