California is actively preparing to counter former President Donald Trump’s accusations that the state engaged in "cheating" during the 2024 midterm elections. Trump has targeted California’s mail-in voting system, which was expanded by a 2021 law that automatically mails ballots to every registered voter.

More than 80% of California voters cast mail-in ballots in 2024, with Santa Clara County reporting an even higher rate—over 90% of voters there used mail-in ballots. Santa Clara County alone sent out more than a million mail-in ballots, significantly surpassing the roughly 342,000 accepted in Texas. According to Moreles, the Santa Clara registrar, this widespread use indicates that voters appreciate the accessibility and security of mail-in voting and do not share Trump’s skepticism.

In California, mailed ballots are considered valid if postmarked by election day and received within seven days afterward. On Wednesday, August 27th, 2026, California announced it is co-leading a coalition of 24 state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to block an executive order related to the election process.

Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Trump’s actions, stating, “And his latest attack on democracy is proof of how weak he has become.”

Sources