RNC rails against California’s late mail-in ballot counting amid national litigation: ‘It is absurd’
The Republican National Committee (RNC) has taken action by filing national lawsuits in an effort to stop several states from counting mail-in ballots after Election Day. California, in particular, has come under fire for taking nearly a month to certify some races.
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley expressed his frustration with California’s election process, stating, “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 emphasized that the RNC, along with the California Republican Party, is committed to aggressively fighting to ensure that all states stop accepting ballots after Election Day.
Republicans on the ground in California are working closely with attorneys and observers throughout the voting, curing, and counting processes. The RNC has also joined forces with the National Republican Congressional Committee and Elon Musk’s PAC to launch a new statewide ballot curing operation.
Gates McGavick, senior advisor to Whatley, highlighted the RNC’s efforts to maintain transparency in the election process, stating that attorneys and trained volunteers are in place to oversee the entire process in California.
California’s vote-counting process has been delayed due to the high volume of mail-in ballots, with a majority of voters opting to vote by mail. State law allows for mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive up to a week later. The verification process for mail-in ballots can further prolong the tallying process. The deadline for election certification in California is set for Dec. 16.
As of Wednesday, several races in California remain undecided, including battleground districts like Congressional district 13 between Republican Rep. John Duarte and Democrat challenger Adam Gray.
Chairman Whatley stressed the importance of election integrity, stating, “Every vote in every state matters, and the RNC will work to ensure Election Integrity across the country. It is clear that we need real election reforms to Protect the Vote in California.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed laws to expand mail-in voting, including requiring all active registered voters to automatically receive absentee ballots. Newsom has also passed laws to provide curbside voting options and permit voters to drop off mail-in ballots at polling stations for immediate counting.
The issue of voter ID has also been a point of contention in California, as the state is one of 14 where voters are not required to show voter ID at polling stations. Newsom has pushed back against local efforts to implement voter ID laws, stating that they go against the principle of freely casting a vote.
Republican criticism of extended vote-counting periods has been mounting, with challenges in states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina. President-Elect Donald Trump has also weighed in on California’s voter ID laws, vowing to demand proof of citizenship and voter ID in elections.
In response to these challenges, Governor Newsom has called for an emergency special legislative session to address election issues and protect against potential attacks on the state’s values and laws.
The RNC’s efforts to ensure election integrity and transparency in California reflect their commitment to upholding the democratic process. By actively engaging in legal challenges and partnering with local and national organizations, the RNC is working to safeguard the integrity of the electoral system and protect the rights of voters.
