The U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles has launched several investigations into election fraud following President Donald Trump’s unfounded allegations of widespread fraud in California’s June 2 primary. A prosecutor has been dispatched to the county’s vote-counting center. Some conservatives criticize the state’s ballot processing system for its lengthy vote counting timelines.
Trump’s claims came amid ongoing vote tabulation in California, home to over 23 million registered voters. Election observers warn that such assertions, made before final results are certified, could increase misinformation and public mistrust. Democratic-leaning mail ballots have gradually tightened the margins for Trump-backed candidates in key races, notably for governor and Los Angeles mayor.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed a visit to Los Angeles County’s ballot tabulation center. Attempts to reach the White House for comment were made outside regular hours.
Trump’s Fraud Accusations
Trump continued his accusations during a roundtable in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, suggesting without evidence that Democrats manipulated vote counts. Speaking later at the White House, he claimed the discovery of suspicious ballots during the counting process. He alleged that California officials found many mail-in ballots overnight, which he found surprising.
Following the primary, Trump posted several messages on Truth Social, alleging fraud and irregularities in California’s vote count. His focus was on mail-in ballots and the pace of tabulation. On June 5, he wrote about the slow counting process, comparing it unfavorably to Third World countries, and accused Democrats of ‘rigging’ the election.
On June 4, Trump accused Democrats of manipulating results, saying: “Look what’s happening in California. Dumocrats are stealing the vote.” He urged Republicans to pass ‘The Save America Act.’ He accused Democrats of trying to steal the governor and mayor primaries from Republican candidates, criticizing the late numbers of mail-in ballots.
California’s Voting System
California consistently votes Democratic in presidential and statewide elections. Joe Biden won the state in 2020 with about two-thirds of the vote, driven by urban areas like Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Sacramento. Voter turnout increased with expanded mail-in voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with mail ballots accounting for about 80 percent of the votes. State law allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to arrive up to seven days later.
During primaries, including the recent gubernatorial and LA mayoral elections, California employs a ‘jungle’ primary system, allowing the top two candidates to advance regardless of party. This approach often leads to extended counting in closely fought races.
Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged that prolonged counting could promote false narratives and stressed the importance of timely and accurate vote tabulation. Election observers concur, noting the critical balance between accuracy and timeliness to maintain public trust in the electoral process. They caution against long delays that could erode confidence and fuel misinformation.
Pattern of Election Fraud Allegations
Trump’s recent accusations reflect a broader pattern seen after his 2020 defeat, where he and allies claimed the election was ‘stolen.’ These claims involved mail-in ballots, voting machines, and alleged irregularities in swing states. More than 60 legal challenges across several states were largely dismissed or lost on their merits, failing to provide sufficient evidence or legal standing. Judges appointed by both parties consistently ruled against them.
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