government
Goal of higher voter turnout remains elusive in California as changes have extended ballot counting
By Michael R. Blood, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 6 min read
California is finally nearing the end of the ballot counting from its June 2 primary, a tediously slow process that is largely the result of multiple changes over the years intended to boost turnout by making voting easier and more accessible.State data and experts who study voting trends suggest...
Key takeaway 8% in the June primary, according to preliminary figures from the secretary of state's office, with counties required to complete their counting by Thursday.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , where voter turnout is also a concern, the California experience serves as a cautionary tale. Despite efforts to increase participation, the Golden State's changes have not yielded significant results, with turnout still lagging behind previous decades. This is particularly relevant in Bexar County, where local elections often see low voter participation. The demographic disparities in California's voter turnout, with older, white, and more affluent homeowners being the most consistent voters, may also be reflected in San Antonio's own voting patterns. As local officials consider ways to boost voter engagement, they would do well to study California's experience and consider targeted efforts to address the gaps in participation among younger voters and voters of color in our own community. By learning from California's mixed results, San Antonio can work towards creating a more inclusive and representative electoral process.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? California is finally nearing the end of the ballot counting from its June 2 primary, a tediously slow process that is largely the result of multiple changes over the years intended to boost turnout by making voting easier and more accessible.State data and experts who study voting trends suggest...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Michael R. Blood, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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