Nine states have at least one uncalled House race, some of which are so close they are headed to a recount. Then there’s California. About half of the yet-to-be-decided House races are in the state, which has only counted about three-quarters of its votes statewide.

Nine of the 16 races that will determine which party controls the House of Representatives are in California. No state takes longer to tally votes.

These differences in how states count — and how long it takes — exist because the Constitution sets out broad principles for electing a national government, but leaves the det

What to KnowCompetitive House races remain undecided in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Two of six key races in Southern California had been called as of early Tuesday. Other races remained too close to call.