On second thought, I hope this passes. It will ensure that California's absentee votes get counted in a close national election - an action that rarely occurs. In 2000, over one million California absentee votes went uncounted because Gore's margin in the Golden State was in excess of that, meaning that counting the votes wouldn't have changed the outcome. With the new system, those votes would have to be counted because the nationwide margin was less than one million. Historically, absentee ballots in California have favored the GOP by a 2:1 margin, meaning that Bush would have won the popular vote, and California would have given their electors to President Bush.
It gets even better. What is a Republican won the popular vote but 'lost' the electoral vote? Then California's 55 would switch over and the Republican would win. The left would be hysterical even though it's exactly what they said they want.
You are correct, absentee votes NEVER get counted unless the votes are close, they are then used to determine the outcome. There are tons of absentee voters in California, my hubby is one of them.
I used to vote absentee until I realized my vote didn't count.
I've heard claims that those votes aren't counted, but I find that awfully hard to believe. The presidential race is not the only race on the ballot. Those absentee voters are also casting votes for Senator, state legislature, school board, mayor, referendums, etc. Many of those races will be determined by the absentee votes, even if the presidential election isn't. It may take them time, but I'm fairly certain all those votes are eventually tabulated. Do you have a link indicating they are not counted?