Why it's taking so long to count California primary votes

State election officials are expected to learn sometime on Thursday exactly how many votes still need to be counted in the California primary election, as well as how long the process could take.

Early votes come in, but final totals still far off
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The early results for the gubernatorial race show Republican Steven Hilton in the lead, with Democrat Xavier Becerra in a close second. Officials are urging people to remain patient as it could take days for all the votes to be counted.

CA Congressional District 14 race second phase: Who will serve until January?

Filling the vacant California Congressional District 14 seat is proving to be an unexpected political drama that has unfolded in a compressed campaign timeline, after incumbent Eric Swalwell resigned in April following allegations of sexual misconduct.

LIVE: 2026 California governor primary election votes

The June 2 primary election sets the stage for November, narrowing the field of candidates for California governor to the top two contenders.

Live 2026 election results: Sonoma County primary

California's primary election is Tuesday, June 2. Track live Sonoma County election results here.

Live 2026 election results: Marin County primary

California's primary election is Tuesday, June 2. Track live Marin County election results here.

Live 2026 election results: California U.S. House primary

Californians will cast their ballots for the U.S. House of Representatives and who will represent each congressional district. Track results here.

Live 2026 election results: U.S. House District 14 primary

California's primary election is Tuesday, June 2. Track live results for California's 14th congressional district here.

Live 2026 election results: Alameda County District Attorney

California's primary election is Tuesday, June 2. Track live Alameda County District Attorney election results here.

LIVE: Los Angeles mayor election results

Ballots are being counted in the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral primary election where incumbent Karen Bass faces 13 challengers.

Live 2026 election results: U.S. House District 11 primary

California's primary election is Tuesday, June 2. Track live results for California's 11th congressional district here.

Live 2026 election results: California statewide races

The 2026 primary election is here -- track live election results for the California secretary of state, attorney general and more.

Live 2026 elections results: San Mateo County primary

California's primary election is Tuesday, June 2. Track live San Mateo County election results here.

LIVE: LA County sheriff election results

Ballots are being counted in the Los Angeles County Sheriff primary election where incumbent Robert Luna faces seven challengers.

Live 2026 election results: Santa Clara County primary

California's primary election is Tuesday, June 2. Track live Santa Clara County election results here.

Live 2026 election results: Solano County primary

California's primary election is Tuesday, June 2. Track live Solano County election results here.

Live 2026 election results: San Francisco primary

San Francisco voters will cast ballots in the District 11 congressional race, which will decide who will replace Rep. Nancy Pelosi.

Live 2026 election results: Contra Costa County primary

California's primary election is Tuesday, June 2. Track live Contra Costa County election results here.

Live 2026 election results: Alameda County primary

Alameda County voters will vote on district attorney and a variety of ballot measures in Oakland, Castro Valley, San Leandro and Piedmont. Track results here.