RNC Takes Legal Action to Challenge California’s Mail-in Ballot Count
The Republican National Committee (RNC) is intensifying its efforts to influence election procedures in California, filing national lawsuits aimed at halting the counting of mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day. This move comes as California’s election certification process experiences significant delays, with some races taking almost a month to finalize results.
Concerns Over Delayed Vote Counting
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley expressed his frustration regarding California’s election protocols, particularly the state law that allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive within seven days afterward. In a statement on social media platform X, Whatley described the situation as “absurd,” underscoring the long certification timelines that have plagued the state.
“It is absurd for California to accept ballots by mail up to 7 days after Election Day and take almost a month to count them,” Whatley asserted. He emphasized that the RNC, in collaboration with the California Republican Party, is committed to ensuring that ballots mailed after Election Day are not accepted across all states.
On-the-Ground Efforts for Election Integrity
Republicans within California are actively engaging in the electoral process, working alongside attorneys and election observers to monitor the procedures surrounding voting, ballot curing, and counting. The RNC has also initiated a new statewide ballot curing operation, partnering with the National Republican Congressional Committee and Elon Musk’s PAC to bolster their efforts.
“Our election integrity operation was in place before Election Day, on the day itself, and has continued to operate since November 5th,” stated Gates McGavick, a senior adviser to Whatley. “Our attorneys and trained volunteers are present to ensure transparency throughout the election process.”
High Volume of Mail-in Ballots Complicates Counting
The delays in California’s vote counting can be largely attributed to the overwhelming preference for mail-in voting among residents, with nearly 90% of voters casting their ballots by mail during the 2022 election. The state’s election laws stipulate that mail-in votes are subject to a verification process that can further extend tallying times. California’s deadline for election certification is set for December 16.
As of mid-week, several races remain undecided in California, most notably the contest in the 13th Congressional District, where Republican Rep. John Duarte faces a challenge from Democrat Adam Gray.
Call for Election Reforms
Chairman Whatley articulated a broader message: “Every vote in every state matters, and the RNC will work with our state parties and candidates to ensure election integrity across the country.” He pointed to a need for significant reforms in California’s election processes to better protect voter integrity.
Legislative Changes Under Governor Newsom
Under the leadership of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, California has seen a series of legislative changes aimed at expanding mail-in voting. In 2021, Newsom enacted AB 37, mandating that all active registered voters receive absentee ballots by default, thus codifying a temporary pandemic-related measure from the previous year. Subsequent laws in 2023 required polling places to offer curbside voting options and allowed voters to drop off mail-in ballots at polling stations for immediate counting.
Voter ID Laws Spark Controversy
California stands out as one of 14 states where voters are not mandated to show identification at polling stations. A recent local measure in Huntington Beach sought to require voter ID, only to be swiftly countered by state legislation from Newsom aimed at preventing local entities from enforcing such policies. State Attorney General Bob Bonta criticized the Huntington Beach policy, stating, “The right to freely cast your vote is the foundation of our democracy,” suggesting that the ID measure contradicts this principle.
Broader Republican Concerns Nationwide
The RNC’s scrutiny of extended mail-in ballot counting is not limited to California. Similar concerns have emerged in states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Before conceding the Senate race to Dave McCormick, Democratic Sen. Bob Casey found national and state Republican parties contesting mail-in ballots lacking proper dating. This pattern of legal challenges demonstrates a pervasive Republican strategy to scrutinize mail-in voting practices across the United States.
Trump’s Statements on Voter ID
Former President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the debate, stating on his Truth Social account that he would demand proof of citizenship and voter ID for elections, echoing the sentiments of many conservatives who advocate for stricter voting regulations.
California’s Commitment to Protection of Voting Rights
In response to these developments, Governor Newsom has vowed to protect California’s voting systems against what he deems attacks on civil rights. Following the election, he announced an emergency special legislative session set for December 2, stating, “California is ready to fight.” This reflects Newsom’s intent to reinforce voting rights amid rising tensions surrounding election laws and mail-in ballot counting procedures.
Conclusion
The legal battle initiated by the RNC serves as a focal point in the ongoing national debate over voting rights and election integrity. As California grapples with both an impressive volume of mail-in ballots and the scrutiny of its voting laws, the outcome of these efforts could significantly influence future elections and the broader conversation about electoral reform across the United States.
