Fact check: Trump lies again about California elections ahead of the state’s primaries
Fact Check: Trump Lies Again About California Elections Ahead of the State’s Primaries
Fact check – Donald Trump has once more made misleading claims about California’s election system, targeting the state’s upcoming Tuesday primaries for governor and other offices. These statements, delivered during a Fox News interview, echo his long-standing pattern of spreading election-related misinformation. The latest allegations include accusations that California’s mail-in voting process is “a fraud,” with Trump asserting that “their elections are a fraud; their mail-in votes are a fraud.” Such broad claims lack solid evidence, as detailed by election experts and verified data.
Trump’s Mischaracterization of Mail-In Voting
In the Fox News interview, Trump claimed that “you know, they don’t have voting booths. Everything’s by mail.” This statement is factually inaccurate, according to California’s election authorities. While mail-in ballots are indeed a primary method for many voters, the state provides multiple avenues for participation. The California Secretary of State’s office clarifies that “any registered voter in California can decide whether to vote at a polling place or vote by mail.” This flexibility ensures that voters are not forced to rely solely on mail-in ballots.
“Under the Voter’s Choice Act, every voter will automatically be sent a Vote by Mail ballot; however, you are not required to use it. Every voter also has the option to go to a vote center and vote in person instead.”
County-level resources further support this. For example, Santa Clara County states on its website: “When you vote in person, your mail ballot will automatically be void. You may either surrender your unused ballot at the vote center or you may destroy and dispose of it yourself. Only one ballot will be accepted and counted per voter per election.” These details underscore the system’s transparency and the voter’s control over their method of participation.
International Context and Fraud Rates
Trump’s assertion that “no other country in the world is doing mail-in voting anymore because it’s a fraud” is also misleading. In reality, numerous countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and Switzerland, allow mail-in voting for some or all voters. The specifics of these policies vary, but they demonstrate that mail-in systems are widely used globally and not universally abandoned.
“No other country in the world is doing mail-in voting anymore because it’s a fraud.”
While Trump’s argument implies mail-in voting is inherently fraudulent, election analysts point out that the rate of fraud in such elections is typically minimal. For instance, in federal elections, the incidence of fraud via mail-in ballots is described as “tiny” by experts, even when compared to in-person voting. This nuance is often overlooked in Trump’s broader critiques.
Historical Patterns and Recent Claims
Trump’s recent remarks align with his previous attacks on California’s electoral integrity. During a May 20 interview with reporters, he claimed that “If we had Jesus Christ come down and count the votes, I would have won California.” This statement, though dramatic, is contradicted by historical data. California, a Democratic stronghold, has consistently elected presidents from the Democratic Party, with Trump losing by significant margins in his three prior bids: 30 percentage points in 2016 (over 4 million votes), 29 points in 2020 (more than 5 million votes), and 20 points in 2024 (over 3 million votes).
“They send out 38 million votes. Nobody knows where they’re going.”
This claim is not only incorrect but also inflated. As of two weeks before the last presidential election, California had approximately 22.6 million registered voters. By May 18, 2026, that number had slightly increased to 23.2 million. The idea that 15 million excess ballots were distributed in any election is unsupported, as the state’s election offices maintain detailed records of ballot distribution and tracking.
The Impact of Misinformation on Public Perception
Trump’s statements often aim to sow doubt about the electoral process, even when the evidence contradicts his claims. His repeated focus on mail-in voting as a source of fraud ignores the state’s robust safeguards. For example, counties that offer in-person voting locations emphasize that “lots of voting booths” are available, ensuring that voters have choices. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, responded to Trump’s recent remarks by stating, “President Trump, once again, is lying.” He pointed out that in-person voting options exist, including “vote centers” where voters can cast ballots using traditional voting booths.
“President Trump, once again, is lying.”
Bonta’s correction highlights the importance of accurate information in maintaining public trust. California’s election system, which combines mail-in ballots with in-person voting, has been designed to balance convenience with security. The state’s ability to handle over 3.1 million in-person votes in the 2024 general election further refutes the notion that all elections are conducted exclusively by mail.
Broader Implications of Election Myths
Trump’s attacks on California’s electoral system are part of a broader strategy to challenge the credibility of voting methods. By framing mail-in ballots as fraudulent, he attempts to undermine confidence in the process, even as data shows that the system is reliable. The 2024 general election, which saw 19% of ballots cast in person, serves as a testament to the state’s efficient and accessible voting framework.
Election experts stress that while mail-in voting may be associated with slightly higher fraud rates than in-person voting, the overall risk remains low. For example, in the 2024 federal elections, the rate of fraud was estimated at less than 0.1%, with mail-in ballots contributing minimally to that figure. These findings counter Trump’s assertion that mail-in voting is a widespread fraud mechanism.
California’s election process, with its blend of mail-in and in-person options, reflects a commitment to voter accessibility and choice. Trump’s continued repetition of these claims, despite clear evidence to the contrary, underscores the need for ongoing fact-checking and public education. His remarks, while attention-grabbing, do little to address the actual mechanisms of California’s elections and instead focus on amplifying fear and uncertainty.
As the state prepares for its primaries, it is crucial to distinguish between valid concerns and exaggerated assertions. The California election system, like many others, includes safeguards to prevent fraud while ensuring that all eligible voters can participate. Trump’s latest claims, therefore, not only misrepresent the facts but also risk distracting from the genuine efforts to make voting accessible and secure for millions of residents.
