Apr 6, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Florida governor Ron Desantis attends a Major League Baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Washington, DC) – A new comparison between Florida and California’s election systems is fueling criticism over how quickly states count votes after polls close.
Florida reported more than 90 percent of votes counted within hours, while California was still under 60 percent counted after 12 hours, according to the figures being circulated.
The contrast has sparked a familiar debate over election laws, mail-in ballots and how long voters should have to wait before major races become clear.
Supporters of Florida’s system argue the state has become a national model for fast, clean election reporting, with results coming in quickly on election night.
Critics of California’s process say the state’s slower count creates confusion, frustration and distrust, especially in high-profile races where outcomes remain unclear deep into the next day.
California election officials and supporters of the system have long argued that counting takes longer because of mail ballots, signature verification and state rules designed to make sure every eligible vote is counted.
