(Dawn Megli/Neon Tommy)

It isn't unusual for districts to take so long in determining a winner, said John Rodriguez of the secretary of state’s office.

“This is what is known as a canvass period,” said Rodriguez. “It is the period of time election officials use to finish counting votes.”

Rodriguez said canvass periods are usually used when a race is too close to call, which is true for both of California’s undecided congressional districts.

In Sacramento’s 7th Congressional District, the Democrat Ami Bera leads Republican incumbent Rep. Dan Lungren by 1,779 votes.

Neither candidate has declared victory.

In San Diego’s 52nd Congressional District, Democrat Scott Peters leads Republican Rep. Brian Bilbray by 1,334 votes.

With slim leads in both races, elections officials must tally up each provisional, vote-by-mail, write-in and damaged ballot, which are traditionally not counted on election night if there is a significant winner.

Californians might not even get their results until next month.

According to Rodriguez, the election canvass process can run up until Dec. 14.

The districts' precincts have until Dec. 4 to count the votes. Precincts then must report the voting results to the secretary of state by Dec. 7. Finally, the secretary of state must publish the final results by Dec. 14.

At least Florida was able to announce their final results for the election by Nov. 10.

Reach Staff Reporter Angela Blakely here.