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County Registrars Warned Postal Cutbacks May Delay Calif. Election Results

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The democratic process in California is preparing for the crunch of postal budget cutbacks.

KNX 1070's Brian Ping reports registrar officials in Los Angeles County and throughout the state are being warned of the potential impact during the upcoming election season.

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An estimated 5 million voters will use the mail to cast their ballot in California, and government officials say looming closures of post offices and distribution centers could threaten tens of thousands of absentee votes.

During a joint legislative hearing on Tuesday, lawmakers, county registrars and Secretary of State Debra Bowen discussed the possibility of changing California election law so ballots must be merely postmarked by Election Day.

Current law states they must be in the hands of election workers to be counted. Officials do admit the change could delay election results by days or even weeks.

Postal closures being considered in cities such as Torrance, Orange, South Gate and Compton could begin as early as this summer.

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