Ro Khanna admits slow California vote count fuels doubts after ‘robbed’ claim
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: California's slow vote-counting process is drawing criticism from both sides of the political aisle, with Democrats now joining Republicans in raising concerns about how long it takes for election results to be finalized.
The issue resurfaced after California Congressman Ro Khanna, on Tuesday, June 9, acknowledged that the state's prolonged ballot-counting process is fueling public skepticism and undermining confidence in election outcomes.
His comments came as several closely watched races remain unresolved days after Election Day, including the Los Angeles mayoral contest that has seen shifting standings as additional ballots are processed.
For weeks, Republicans have argued that California's extended vote count creates confusion and leaves voters questioning the integrity of the process.
Now, Khanna's remarks suggest that frustration over the pace of counting is no longer limited to one political party.
A close friend of mine is cancelling his voter registration today. He is convinced Spencer Pratt was robbed of the election. I explained to him that in California we count absentees first (which skew older and more conservative) and election day voters are younger and more…
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) June 9, 2026
Khanna acknowledges growing voter frustration
In a post on X, Khanna revealed that concerns about California's election system are reaching ordinary voters, including people within his own circle.
"A close friend of mine is cancelling his voter registration today. He is convinced Spencer Pratt was robbed of the election," Khanna wrote.
Khanna said he attempted to explain why vote totals can shift as additional ballots are counted.
According to him, absentee ballots often lean older and more conservative, while later-counted ballots can produce different results.
Still, the California Democrat acknowledged that the current process is creating a serious perception problem.
"Regardless, we need to figure out in California how we can get the vote counted faster and results tabulated so it does not drag on," he wrote.
I am saying count vast majority within 48 hours. That would not disenfranchise a single person. How much would it cost? We are the wealthiest state in the nation, if not the world. We talk about standing up for democracy. It's worth spending the resources to be the model.
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) June 9, 2026
Khanna calls for faster results
Rather than defending the status quo, Khanna argued that California should invest resources to dramatically speed up election reporting.
He suggested the state should aim to count the overwhelming majority of ballots within 48 hours, saying such a goal would not prevent anyone from voting while helping restore public confidence.
"I am saying count vast majority within 48 hours. That would not disenfranchise a single person," Khanna wrote. "We are the wealthiest state in the nation, if not the world."
Khanna further argued that improving election administration should be viewed as an investment in public trust.
This is a common sense recognition of having government that delivers and focusing on results. On this point, Kessler has been one of the strongest in our nation. I have benefitted from his ideas.
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) June 9, 2026
"It's worth spending the resources to be the model," he added.
The discussion comes as California continues processing millions of ballots after Election Day, with several high-profile contests still attracting national attention.
In Los Angeles, former reality television star Spencer Pratt has seen his position in the mayoral race tighten as additional mail-in ballots have been counted.
The changing vote totals have sparked intense debate online and renewed criticism of California's lengthy tabulation process.
