Story perspectives

California Rejects Record 148K Mail Ballots, Prompting DOJ Probe

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

California rejected 148,241 mail-in ballots in the June 2026 primary, the highest total, representing 1.73% of mail ballots.
Late postmarks and signature problems accounted for 137,000 rejected ballots, 93,479 postmark rejections and 44,000 mismatched signatures, with Tulare County at a 3.52% rejection rate.
President Donald Trump used the delay to criticize California’s elections, prompting a Justice Department probe and a 2025 Brookings report finding fraud at four cases per 10 million ballots.

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Story summary

California rejected 148,241 mail-in ballots in the June 2026 primary, the highest total, representing 1.73% of mail ballots.
Late postmarks and signature problems accounted for 137,000 rejected ballots, 93,479 postmark rejections and 44,000 mismatched signatures, with Tulare County at a 3.52% rejection rate.
President Donald Trump used the delay to criticize California’s elections, prompting a Justice Department probe and a 2025 Brookings report finding fraud at four cases per 10 million ballots.