A recent op-ed in the Los Angeles Times defended California's prolonged vote-counting process, which extended nearly a month past Election Day. Editorial board member Carla Hall argued that the state's meticulous approach to ballot collection and verification, while time-consuming, ultimately reinforces election integrity and voter access.

Hall acknowledged the slow pace but emphasized the importance of giving voters ample time to cast their ballots and address any potential issues. She highlighted California's provisions, such as mailing every voter a ballot a month before Election Day and allowing same-day registration and voting with provisional ballots. Furthermore, voters are given the opportunity to rectify signature discrepancies, with a deadline extending to December 1st. Hall contended that these measures justify the extended counting period, particularly in close races.

This extended process, however, has drawn criticism, especially from Republicans. While Vice President Kamala Harris's victory in California was declared on Election Night, the continued ballot counting has impacted President-elect Donald Trump's national popular vote margin. Trump narrowed the gap compared to the 2020 election, but the final tally was delayed. The last undecided House race nationwide, in California's 13th Congressional District, wasn't called until four weeks after Election Day, with Democrat Adam Gray unseating Republican incumbent John Duarte. Similarly, the 45th District race, where Democrat Derek Tran defeated GOP Rep. Michelle Steel, took over three weeks to resolve.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley criticized California's acceptance of mail-in ballots up to seven days after Election Day and the lengthy counting process. Hall, however, countered that the state's efforts to ensure every vote is counted should be commended, not condemned. Her previous writings indicate a preference for Harris, with articles expressing concern about the impact of a second Trump administration on abortion rights and endorsing Harris for re-election.

The high volume of mail-in ballots, preferred by a significant majority of California voters, contributes to the prolonged counting process. State law allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within a week, and the verification process for mail-in ballots adds further time. The official election certification deadline is December 16th.