Key facts
- California's primary election results may be delayed past election night.
- A large volume of mail-in ballots is expected to be processed.
- The "top-two primary" system means the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election.
- Leading candidates include Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, and Steve Hilton.
Californians are voting in their primary election, but the results, especially for the governor's race, may not be available on election night. This potential delay is attributed to the significant number of mail-in ballots that need to be processed, estimated to be around 6 million. Political commentator Nate Silver has noted that such extended delays are unusual when compared to electoral processes in other regions. The state's "top-two primary" system, where the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party, adds another layer of complexity to the anticipated outcome.