Letter: Why the election canvass takes time and why it matters
Letter from County of San Luis Obispo Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano
– If you feel like it's taking longer than usual to get final election results, you're not alone. And you're not wrong. The election canvass in San Luis Obispo County has been met with a mix of anticipation and frustration, as voters, candidates, and political observers alike wonder why the tallying process feels more drawn out than in previous years.
But what many may not realize is that this slower pace is part of an intentional, carefully regulated process designed to ensure accuracy, transparency, and fairness. As the county election office works methodically to tabulate each eligible vote, it's worth taking a step back to understand why patience is not only warranted but critical in today's election climate.
Election canvassing is the final step in any California election cycle; during this 28-day period following election day, officials finish verifying, auditing, and counting every ballot received. This process involves validating provisional ballots, counting mail-in ballots that arrived close to the deadline, reconciling precinct data, and conducting a hand count of 1% of all ballots cast to confirm tabulator accuracy.
Additionally, each ballot must undergo verification procedures, especially those arriving by mail. This involves cross-referencing signatures, verifying voter registration data, and, in some cases, resolving discrepancies directly with voters. With California's recent move to a statewide vote-by-mail option, this process takes time. And rightfully so: Every ballot deserves the same careful consideration, whether it was cast early, late, in person, or by mail.
So why does it feel different now? Simply put, the volume of mail-in and provisional ballots is higher than ever before. While many San Luis Obispo County voters have opted to vote by mail for some time, the fact that every single registered voter now has the chance to vote from home translates into even more mailed ballots—almost 50,000 in this election. Whether you support it or not, this law reflects the state's commitment to enfranchise all voters, even if it extends the timeline.
Technology also plays a role, but not in the way many people think. While we live in an age of rapid technological advancement, election infrastructure remains intentionally secure and compartmentalized to protect the vote's integrity. The system is designed for reliability and security rather than speed. There's also a critical emphasis on transparency.
San Luis Obispo County, like other jurisdictions, opens the canvass to observers from the public, political parties, and advocacy groups. This transparency comes with its own checks and balances, including restricting ballot processing and tabulation locally to business hours, when the public has access. This inevitably adds more time to the process but is essential to maintain public trust.
With misinformation and public skepticism growing, it's understandable that many of us anxiously wait for the results to be finalized. But it's also a reminder of why the electoral process has these layers of security, verification, and cross-checks.
In an era when each vote feels more consequential than ever, the canvass isn't a delay—it's a commitment to accuracy and democracy. As citizens, we can embrace the time it takes as a sign of a robust system working as it should.
Ultimately, the lengthy canvass is not a glitch in the system; it's a feature. It's a testament to San Luis Obispo County's commitment to an accurate and fair election outcome, a testament to the meticulous and essential work happening behind the scenes. So, while the wait can be frustrating, it's also a chance to appreciate the complexity, transparency, and diligence that democracy requires.
County of San Luis Obispo Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Elaina Cano
