reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 3 - Challenging a Voter › Section 14252.

14252. The precinct board shall compile a list showing all of the following:
(a) The name and address of each person challenged.
(b) The name, address, and any other identification as a voter, of each person offering information concerning any person’s qualifications to vote, or testifying pursuant to Section 14247, together with the name and address and any other identification of the person about whom the information or testimony is given.
(c) The grounds of each challenge.
(d) The determination of the board upon the challenge, together with any written evidence pertaining thereto.
(e) If evidence has been presented to the board requesting challenges, the evidence shall be returned to the elections official responsible for the conduct of the election.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 3 - Challenging a Voter › Section 14253.

14253. In the event that the precinct board determines that persistent challenging of voters is resulting in a delay of voting sufficient to cause voters to forego voting because of insufficient time or for fear of unwarranted intimidation, the board shall discontinue all challenges, and so note on the roster.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14270.

14270. The procedure at the polls where voting is conducted pursuant to this division shall be the same as at other polling places, except as provided in this article.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14271.

14271. After the opening of the polls, the precinct board shall not allow any voter to enter the voting booth until it ascertains that he or she is entitled to vote.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14272.

14272. Before each voter enters the voting booth, the precinct board shall inform him or her how to operate the voting device. If a marking or punching device is used, the voter shall be instructed to use only that device. The voter shall also be instructed how to fold the ballot and place it in the envelope. If any voter, after entering the booth, asks for information regarding the operation of the machine or device, the precinct board shall give him or her the information.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14273.

14273. The device for marking the ballot may be handed to the voter with his or her ballot before the voter goes into the voting booth, and shall be returned to the precinct board after he or she has finished marking his or her ballot.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14274.

14274. In any election where ballots are to be counted both manually and by electromechanical tabulating devices, the marking device used for marking ballots to be counted electromechanically may be used for marking ballots to be counted manually.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14275.

14275. Before leaving the voting booth or compartment, the voter shall fold or place the ballot card in the envelope so that the ballot markings of the voter will not be exposed, and the ballot stub will be outside of the envelope or other container, to be removed by the precinct board.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14277.

14277. The voter shall hand the folded ballot or the envelope containing the ballot to a precinct board member, who shall remove the ballot stub, hand it to the voter, and deposit the ballot in the ballot container. If the ballot is to be transferred from the envelope to the ballot container, care shall be taken not to disclose the markings of the voter on the ballot.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14278.

14278. The precinct board shall give each voter only one ballot, as provided in Section 13102.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14279.

14279. Unless otherwise provided by law, no person shall apply for or receive any ballot at any precinct other than that in which the voter is entitled to vote.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14280.

14280. Unless otherwise provided by law, a voter shall not receive a ballot from any person other than one of the precinct officers. No person other than a precinct officer or officer authorized by law shall deliver a ballot to any voter.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14281.

14281. On receiving a ballot, the voter shall forthwith retire alone to one of the booths or compartments provided, and mark the ballot, unless Section 14222 or 14224 is applicable.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14282.

14282. (a) If a voter is unable to mark a paper ballot or the ballot marking device, the voter shall receive the assistance of not more than two persons selected by the voter, other than the voter’s employer, an agent of the voter’s employer, or an officer or agent of the union of which the voter is a member.
(b) The county elections official shall provide information on the county elections internet website and in the county voter information guide informing voters that a voter who is unable to mark a ballot may bring up to two individuals to the polls to assist them in voting as specified in subdivision (a), and that a voter with a disability may vote a regular ballot outside a polling place in accordance with subdivision (d). The information shall be available in all languages for which the county has requirements under Section 14201 of this code and Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. Sec. 10101 et seq.).
(c) A person assisting a voter shall not divulge any information regarding the marking of the ballot.
(d) (1) A voter with a disability may appear outside the polling place and vote a regular ballot. The person may vote the ballot in a place that is as near as possible to the polling place and that is accessible to people with disabilities. A precinct board member shall take a regular ballot or ballot marking device to that person, qualify that person to vote, and return the voted ballot to the polling place.
(2) A precinct board member may satisfy paragraph (1) by only bringing a regular ballot outside to the voter if the county does not have the capability to bring the ballot marking device outside of the polling place.
(3) Signage shall be posted outside the polling place and adjacent to the area where the voter may appear to vote indicating that the option is available for a voter with a disability to vote there. The polling place shall establish a method for a voter with a disability to contact a precinct board member in order to vote outside the polling place, such as a posted phone number, doorbell device, or the stationing of a precinct board member outside the polling place.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 658, Sec. 2. (AB 545) Effective January 1, 2024.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14283.

14283. The precinct officers shall keep a list of the voters who have been assisted in marking their ballots. The list of assisted voters shall be returned to the elections official and preserved with other election materials and records.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14284.

14284. (a) All ballots shall be marked only with the marking device provided by the elections official or, for vote by mail ballots, recommended by the elections official.
(b) If a ballot cannot be tabulated because of the marking device used, it shall be processed as specified in Section 15210.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 676, Sec. 44. (AB 1219) Effective January 1, 2024.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14285.

14285. To vote in a contest where two or more candidates for the same office are to be elected, a voter shall mark the voting targets next to the names of the candidates of the voter’s choice, up to the number of candidates to be elected.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 676, Sec. 46. (AB 1219) Effective January 1, 2024.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14286.

14286. When a measure is submitted to the voters, the voter shall place a mark on the ballot in the appropriate space next to the answer the voter desires to give as to that measure. The voter, in marking the ballot, shall use the marking device provided.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 676, Sec. 47. (AB 1219) Effective January 1, 2024.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14287.

14287. No voter shall place personal information upon a ballot that identifies the voter. “Personal information” includes all of the following:
(a) The signature of the voter.
(b) The initials, name, or address of the voter.
(c) A voter identification number.
(d) A social security number.
(e) A driver’s license number.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 739, Sec. 2. (SB 183) Effective January 1, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14288.

14288. If a voter spoils or defaces a ballot, the voter shall at once return it to the ballot clerk and receive another ballot. A voter shall not receive more than a total of three ballots, including his or her original ballot, in this manner.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14290.

14290. The precinct board shall immediately cancel, without unfolding them, all the spoiled ballots returned. The board shall write the word “spoiled” on the back of each spoiled ballot in ink or indelible pencil and return the spoiled ballots with the unused ballots.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14291.

14291. (a) After the ballot is marked, a voter shall not show it to any person in a manner that reveals its contents, except as provided in subdivision (b).
(b) A voter may voluntarily disclose how he or she voted if that voluntary act does not violate any other law.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 813, Sec. 2. (AB 1494) Effective January 1, 2017.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14292.

14292. Before leaving the voting booth or compartment, the voter shall fold the ballot according to the instructions on it, so that the marks on its face are not visible and only the number on the ballot and the top margin are exposed.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14293.

14293. Having folded the ballot, the voter shall deliver it folded to a member of the precinct board, who shall then separate the slip containing the number from the ballot, hand the slip to the voter, and deposit the ballot in the ballot box in the presence of the voter.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14294.

14294. (a) At all elections, a member of the precinct board shall mark, in the space provided on the voter list posted at or near the polling place, the name of each person who has voted, by drawing a line through the name of the voter, with a pen or indelible pencil. The board member shall mark off the names at least once each hour, to and including 6 p.m. In all counties not using the voter list, the board member shall draw a line under the last name signed in the roster at 6 p.m. or at the time of discontinuation of this procedure, whichever occurs last.
(b) If an electronic poll book is used at the polling place, the elections official may use a printout or an electronic means of notification of the list of each person who has voted. The elections official shall provide the printout or electronic notification at least once each hour, to and including 6 p.m., or at the time of discontinuation of this procedure, whichever occurs last.
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 806, Sec. 60. (SB 286) Effective January 1, 2018.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14295.

14295. No voter shall deliver to any member of the precinct board any ballot other than the one received from the board member.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14296.

14296. Any voter who does not vote the ballot he or she has received, shall, before leaving the polling place, return it to the board member having charge of the ballots, who shall immediately cancel it. All canceled ballots shall be returned to the ballot clerk in the same manner as spoiled ballots.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14297.

14297. (a) No later than the time at which the voter delivers the voted ballot, a precinct board member in charge of the voter list shall write in the space opposite the name of the voter the line number designating the position of the name on the roster. In those counties using a combined roster, the voter’s name shall be crossed off of the voter list in lieu of numbering.
(b) In an election conducted using vote centers, or if an electronic poll book is used, only the electronic roster shall be updated.
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 806, Sec. 61. (SB 286) Effective January 1, 2018.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14298.

14298. (a) The precinct board shall maintain at least one printed copy of the voter list posted during the whole time of voting. The copies of the voter list shall not be marked in any manner except by a member of the precinct board acting pursuant to Section 14294.
(b) A member of the precinct board shall post a notice on each voter list that reads as follows: “This voter list shall not be marked in any manner except by a member of the precinct board acting pursuant to Section 14294. Any person who removes, tears, marks, or otherwise defaces this voter list with the intent to falsify or prevent others from readily ascertaining the name, address, or political preference of any voter, or the fact that a voter has or has not voted, is guilty of a misdemeanor.”
(c) If an electronic poll book is used, a notice shall be posted near the electronic poll book that reads as follows: “This electronic roster shall not be operated in any manner except by a member of the precinct board acting pursuant to Section 14294. Any person who tampers with, manipulates, or otherwise operates or interacts with this device with the intent to falsify or prevent others from readily ascertaining the name, address, or political preference of any voter, or the fact that a voter has or has not voted, is guilty of a misdemeanor.”
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 100, Sec. 3. (AB 1591) Effective January 1, 2022.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14299.

14299. (a) If a precinct board is unable to furnish a ballot to a qualified voter because there is an insufficient number of ballots at the precinct, the elections official shall deliver to the precinct additional ballots to ensure that all eligible voters can cast their ballots within two hours.
(b) While awaiting the delivery of additional ballots, the precinct board shall provide each voter with the option of casting his or her vote immediately using an alternative procedure established prior to the election or waiting for the delivery of the additional ballots.
(c) The alternative procedure required by this section shall be subject to approval by the Secretary of State. The elections official shall submit the alternative procedure to the Secretary of State for approval by a date to be determined by the Secretary of State.
(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 501, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Issuing Ballots and Voting › Section 14300.

14300. (a) In the case of an election for a state or federal office, each polling place using a direct recording electronic voting system, as defined by Section 19271, the elections official shall provide paper ballots equivalent to the following percentages:
(1) For a statewide general election, no less than 10 percent of the registered voters in the polling place.
(2) For a statewide direct primary election, for each partisan ballot form for which at least 10 percent of the registered voters in the polling place are eligible to request, no less than 5 percent of the registered voters in the precinct eligible to request that ballot form at the polling place. For nonpartisan voters, the total number of paper ballots among all ballot forms that they are eligible to request shall be no less than 5 percent of registered nonpartisan voters at the polling place.
(3) For any other state or federal election contest, no less than 5 percent of registered voters at the polling place.
(4) For purposes of this section, the number of registered voters shall be based on the registration on the 88th day prior to the day of the election.
(b) The elections official shall establish procedures for the use of the paper ballots described in this section in the event the direct recording electronic voting system becomes nonfunctional.
(c) Upon request, the precinct board shall provide a paper ballot to a voter, regardless of the availability of the direct recording electronic voting system, as long as supplies remain available.
(d) The paper ballots described in this section may consist of provisional ballots.
(e) Any vote cast on a provisional ballot subject to this section by an otherwise qualified voter shall be counted as a regular ballot and shall not be subject to the requirements of Section 14310.
(f) In elections conducted using voter centers, the elections official shall provide a sufficient amount of ballot stock to be used for printing ballots in each vote center.
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 806, Sec. 63. (SB 286) Effective January 1, 2018.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 5 - Provisional Voting › Section 14311.

14311. (a) A voter who has moved from one address to another within the same county and who has not reregistered to vote at that new address may, at his or her option, vote on the day of the election at the polling place at which he or she is entitled to vote based on his or her current residence address, or at the office of the county elections official or other central location designated by that elections official. The voter shall be reregistered at the place of voting for future elections.
(b) Voters casting ballots under this section shall be required to vote by provisional ballot, as provided in Section 14310.
(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 809, Sec. 9.5. Effective January 1, 2004.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 5 - Provisional Voting › Section 14312.

14312. This article shall be liberally construed in favor of the provisional voter.
(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 175, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 5 - Provisional Voting › Section 14313.

14313. (a) Upon the declaration of a state of emergency by the Governor and the issuance of an executive order authorizing an emergency worker to cast a ballot outside of his or her home precinct, elections officials in the counties included in the executive order shall, upon demand, issue to an emergency worker a provisional ballot that may be identical to the provisional ballot offered to other voters in the county, using a process to be determined by the elections official. The elections official shall transmit for processing any ballot cast, including any materials necessary to process the ballot, pursuant to this section to the elections official in the county where the voter is registered to vote.
(b) To be counted, a ballot cast pursuant to this section shall satisfy both of the following requirements:
(1) Be cast by the voter no later than the close of the polls on election day.
(2) Be received by the county elections official where the voter is registered on or before the 10th day following the date of the election.
(c) Upon receipt of the returned ballot, the elections official shall process the ballot pursuant to the procedures in subdivision (c) of Section 14310.
(d) If the requirements in subdivisions (b) and (c) are met and the ballot is eligible to be counted, the ballot shall be duplicated and all other materials preserved according to the procedures set forth in this code.
(e) “Emergency worker” for the purposes of this section means a person who is officially engaged in responding to the proclaimed state of emergency and whose vocation has been identified in an executive order relating to the state of emergency.
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 395, Sec. 1. (AB 1440) Effective January 1, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 3 - Procedures at Polls › ARTICLE 5 - Provisional Voting › Section 14314.

14314. The Secretary of State shall promulgate regulations establishing guidelines for county elections officials relating to the processing of provisional ballots.
(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 821, Sec. 2. (AB 1970) Effective January 1, 2017.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions › Section 14400.

14400. At any election, all members of the precinct board shall be present at the closing of the polls.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions › Section 14401.

14401. When the polls are closed, the precinct board shall proclaim that fact aloud at the place of election. After the proclamation no ballot shall be received. However, if at the hour of closing there are any other voters in the polling place, or in line at the door, who are qualified to vote and have not been able to do so since appearing, the polls shall be kept open a sufficient time to enable them to vote.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions › Section 14402.

14402. Any one who arrives at the polling place after the time provided for closing the polls shall not be entitled to vote, even though the polls are open when the voter arrives.
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions › Section 14402.5.

14402.5. If the time for closing the polls is extended pursuant to a court order, all votes cast during the time that the closing of the polls is extended shall be by provisional ballot. Any provisional ballots cast pursuant to this section shall be separated and held apart from other provisional ballots cast by voters prior to the time the closing of the polls was extended.
(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 809, Sec. 10. Effective January 1, 2004.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions › Section 14403.

14403. (a) Immediately upon the closing of the polls and before any voted ballot is taken from any of the ballot containers, the precinct board member shall, in the presence of all persons in the room who may desire to observe them, proceed to render the unused ballots unusable in one of the following ways:
(1) By drawing across its face, in ink or indelible pencil, two lines that cross each other, the cross to be more than three inches square. The precinct board member shall thereupon, immediately and before any ballots are taken from any ballot container, place all defaced ballots within an envelope or other receptacle provided for that purpose.
(2) By tearing or cutting in a manner so that it is apparent that the ballot has been intentionally destroyed to prevent its use. If this method of destruction is used, it shall be done in a manner so that the serial number of the ballots is retained for the purposes of reconciliation.
(3) By placing all of the unused ballots into a special container provided for that purpose. A tamperproof seal containing spaces for entering the total number of unused ballots enclosed, the beginning and ending serial numbers thereof, and signature lines for all members of the precinct board following a statement certifying that all of the ballots were placed in the container in their presence and the information on the seal is true and correct, shall be provided. After signing the seal, it shall be placed on the container in a manner so that the container cannot be opened without tearing the seal.
(b) This section does not apply to elections conducted using vote centers.
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 806, Sec. 65. (SB 286) Effective January 1, 2018.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions › Section 14404.

14404. (a) Immediately upon the arrival of the hour when the polls are required by law to be closed on election day, the elections official conducting the election shall openly, in the elections official’s main office, in the presence of any persons who are present to observe, according to the procedure set forth in Section 14403, proceed to render every unused ballot remaining in the control of the elections official unusable. The elections official shall forthwith make and file an affidavit, in writing, as to the number of ballots destroyed. If the procedure in subdivision (c) of Section 14403 is used, the tamperproof seal shall be signed by the elections official and at least one deputy or assistant elections official or registrar. The sealed container shall then be placed, with the sealed containers containing unused ballots from the precincts, in a security area by the elections official until disposition is made pursuant to Section 17301 or 17302.
Alternatively, the elections official may, immediately upon the arrival of the hour when the polls are closed, recycle for any other lawful purpose any unused ballots remaining in the control of the elections official that clearly identify the election for which they were prepared. No later than 30 days following the last day to certify the official results of the election, the elections official shall make and file an affidavit, in writing, as to the number of ballots recycled. At the elections official’s discretion, the unused ballots may be recycled up to six months following an election or at the conclusion of an election contest proceeding, whichever is later.
(b) This section does not apply to elections conducted using vote centers.
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 806, Sec. 66. (SB 286) Effective January 1, 2018.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions › Section 14405.

14405. (a) The members of the precinct board shall account for the ballots delivered to them by returning a sufficient number of unused ballots to make up, when added to the number of official ballots cast and the number of spoiled and canceled ballots returned, the number of ballots given to them. The accounting of ballots may either:
(1) Take place at the polling place.
(2) Be performed by the county elections official at the central counting place.
(b) The precinct board shall complete the roster as required in Section 14107, and shall also complete and sign the certificate of performance prescribed in Section 15280, if that section applies.
(c) This section does not apply to elections conducted using vote centers.
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 806, Sec. 67. (SB 286) Effective January 1, 2018.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 2 - Elections Using Voting Systems › Section 14420.

14420. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), before or as soon as the polls are closed, the precinct board shall remove the voted ballots from the ballot container and take them out of the secrecy envelopes or detach them from the secrecy stubs. Where the envelope or stub is also the write-in ballot, and a write-in vote has been registered thereon, the ballot card shall not be separated from the envelope or stub. If two or more separate ballot cards have been used in the election, the precinct board shall sort them into groups, each of which shall contain the same series of ballot cards.
(b) After completing the action described in subdivision (a), the precinct board shall count the number of ballot cards in each group, and certify the number of ballots cast on the voting roster as provided by Section 14107. If there is any discrepancy between the number of voters listed in the roster and the number of ballots voted, this fact shall be noted with an explanation of the difference and signed by all the members of the precinct board.
(c) Before or at the close of the polls, the county elections official may direct the precinct board to seal the ballot container and record on forms provided by the elections official the information needed for the reconciliation of ballots required by Section 14405.
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 725, Sec. 2. (AB 363) Effective January 1, 2016.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 2 - Elections Using Voting Systems › Section 14421.

14421. Unless the county elections official has directed the precinct board to seal the ballot container and record information pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 14420, the precinct board shall group voted ballot cards and voted separate write-in ballots, as directed by the elections official, and place them in containers. The board shall also place spoiled and void ballots, if any, in containers as directed by the elections official. All of these ballots, along with the containers for voted ballot cards, shall be placed in one or more boxes, which shall then be sealed and delivered as soon as possible to the receiving centers or central counting places with the unused ballots, supplies, and other materials as directed by the elections official.
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 725, Sec. 3. (AB 363) Effective January 1, 2016.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 2 - Elections Using Voting Systems › Section 14422.

14422. (a) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the county elections official may direct a precinct board to seal the ballot container prior to the closing of the polls, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sections 14420 and 14421.
(2) Notwithstanding Section 14215, as soon as the container is sealed, the county elections official may direct at least two elections officials to remove the sealed ballot container of voted untallied ballots from the polling place and the presence of any bystanders and to deliver the container to a receiving center or central counting place as directed.
(3) At least 48 hours in advance of an election, the elections official shall notify the public of the dates, times, and places at which ballot containers will be delivered pursuant to this subdivision.
(b) Upon receipt of a container at a receiving center or central counting place pursuant to subdivision (a), the county elections official may process the voted untallied ballots, but shall not tally the ballots or release any results prior to the closing of the polls.
(c) The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations addressing the secure delivery and transfer of ballots to a receiving center or central counting place pursuant to this section.
(d) This section shall not be construed as relieving a precinct board of its responsibility to account for ballots pursuant to Section 14405.
(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 725, Sec. 4. (AB 363) Effective January 1, 2016.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 2.5 - Elections Using Vote Centers › Section 14428.

14428. (a) Notwithstanding Section 14420, in elections conducted using vote centers, at the end of each voting day, the precinct board shall remove the voted ballots from the ballot container and deliver them to the central receiving center pursuant to Section 14422.
(b) The precinct board shall certify to the election official the number of ballots cast at the vote center on the roster, as well as the number of ballots voted. If there is any discrepancy between the numbers, the discrepancy shall be noted with an explanation of the difference and signed by all members of the precinct board.
(c) The precinct board shall record on forms the information needed for the reconciliation of the ballots required by Section 14405.
(d) For vote centers using tabulating equipment, the precinct board shall record the number of ballots cast on each voting device and securely seal the device to prevent additional ballots from being cast until the next day of voting. The precinct board shall record all seals used for this procedure on a log for each vote center.
(Added by renumbering Section 14228 by Stats. 2018, Ch. 92, Sec. 66. (SB 1289) Effective January 1, 2019.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 3 - Return of Supplies to the Clerk › Section 14430.

14430. The precinct board, as soon after the polls are closed as possible, shall prepare the supplies, including the copies of the voter list or roster posted at or near the polling place, and records of the election for delivery to the elections official.
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 806, Sec. 69. (SB 286) Effective January 1, 2018.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 3 - Return of Supplies to the Clerk › Section 14431.

14431. The precinct board shall enclose and seal in one or more packages, as determined by the elections official, all voted, spoiled, canceled, or unused ballots.
(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 19. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 3 - Return of Supplies to the Clerk › Section 14432.

14432. The precinct board shall enclose and seal in one or two packages, as determined by the elections official, all of the following:
(a) Two tally sheets, if ballots are to be tabulated manually at the precinct.
(b) The roster. If an electronic poll book is used, either or both the electronic poll book and the electronic media containing the roster shall be secured and returned to the elections official.
(c) The copy of the voter list. If an electronic voter list is used, either or both the electronic voter list and the electronic media containing the voter list shall be secured and returned to the elections official.
(d) The challenge list.
(e) The assisted voter’s list.
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 806, Sec. 70. (SB 286) Effective January 1, 2018.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 3 - Return of Supplies to the Clerk › Section 14433.

14433. If ballots are counted at precincts pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 15340) or Article 5 (commencing with Section 15360) of Chapter 4 of Division 15, the precinct board immediately shall transmit, unsealed, to the elections official a statement showing the result of the votes cast at the polling place. The statement shall be open to public inspection.
(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 19. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 3 - Return of Supplies to the Clerk › Section 14434.

14434. The sealed packages containing the lists, papers, and ballots shall be delivered by two of its members without delay, unopened, to the elections official or to a receiving station designated by the elections official.
(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 19. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 3 - Return of Supplies to the Clerk › Section 14435.

14435. No list, tally, paper, or certificate returned from any election shall be set aside or rejected for want of form, nor because it is not strictly in accordance with this code, if it can be satisfactorily understood.
(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 19. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Snap Tallies › Section 14440.

14440. Before any election, the governing body of the jurisdiction holding the election shall decide that certain offices or measures to be voted on are of more than ordinary public interest and require an early tabulation and announcement. The decision shall be transmitted to the elections official not less than 30 days before the election.
(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Snap Tallies › Section 14441.

14441. The elections official shall prepare and forward to each selected precinct forms containing a list of the offices and measures designated as being of more than ordinary interest, and stating the number of ballots to be counted for the snap tally. In each general election, the special form shall, for each office listed on it, include the names of all candidates for that office whose names appear on the ballot.
The inspector at each selected precinct shall note the results of the count and the total number of votes cast in the precinct on the snap tally forms as soon as the designated number of ballots has been tallied. The inspector shall then communicate the figures in the manner directed by the elections official. In each general election, the figures shall include the votes cast for every candidate whose name appears on the ballot for an office listed on the forms. The inspector shall continue, each time the designated number of ballots have been tallied, to note and report the results as directed.
(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Snap Tallies › Section 14442.

14442. Upon receipt from the precincts of the reports of votes cast on the specially designated offices and measures, the elections official shall tabulate the results and make the results available to the public. In each general election, all these reports of the election results shall include the votes cast for all candidates whose names appear on the ballot for each office for which returns are reported.
(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 14 - ELECTION DAY PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 4 - Closing of the Polls › ARTICLE 4 - Snap Tallies › Section 14443.

14443. If ballots are counted by electronic or electromechanical means, the elections official may provide for early tabulation and announcement of the returns in a manner consistent with the use of the tabulating devices.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 676, Sec. 48. (AB 1219) Effective January 1, 2024.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 15 - SEMIFINAL OFFICIAL CANVASS, OFFICIAL CANVASS, RECOUNT, AND TIE VOTE PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 1 - Preparation for Canvass › Section 15000.

15000. No later than seven days prior to any election conducted pursuant to this code, the elections official shall conduct a test or series of tests to ensure that every device used to tabulate ballots accurately records each vote. The exact methods employed in this test shall conform to the voting procedures for the specific voting systems, as adopted by the Secretary of State.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 15 - SEMIFINAL OFFICIAL CANVASS, OFFICIAL CANVASS, RECOUNT, AND TIE VOTE PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 1 - Preparation for Canvass › Section 15001.

15001. (a) A copy of each election computer vote count program for a statewide election or state special election to fill vacancies shall be deposited with the Secretary of State. The copy of the election computer vote count program shall be received by the Secretary of State no later than 5 p.m. on the seventh day before the election.
(b) If the election computer vote count program is modified or altered after the submission specified in subdivision (a), the elections official immediately shall deposit the subsequent program no later than 12 p.m. on the day of the election.
(c) The Secretary of State shall hold the deposited programs for a period of not less than six months, at which time the program shall be returned to the elections official.
(1) The elections official shall preserve the returned program for a period of 16 months.
(2) The programs deposited in accordance with this section shall be used only for a recanvass of the vote, an official recount, court action, or for logic and accuracy tests required by the Secretary of State.
(3) Any tape, diskette, cartridge, or other magnetic or electronic storage medium containing the vote count program submitted pursuant to this section shall be maintained by the Secretary of State in a secure location when not in use for an official purpose specified in paragraph (2).
(d) The Secretary of State may, by mandamus or other appropriate proceeding, require and compel the county elections officials to submit the computer vote count program specified in subdivision (a). Venue for a proceeding under this section shall be exclusively in Sacramento County.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 15 - SEMIFINAL OFFICIAL CANVASS, OFFICIAL CANVASS, RECOUNT, AND TIE VOTE PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 1 - Preparation for Canvass › Section 15002.

15002. No later than January 1 of each even-numbered year, the Secretary of State shall review, and if necessary amend, administrative procedures for use with each of the voting systems pursuant to Division 19.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Elections Code - ELEC › DIVISION 15 - SEMIFINAL OFFICIAL CANVASS, OFFICIAL CANVASS, RECOUNT, AND TIE VOTE PROCEDURES › CHAPTER 1 - Preparation for Canvass › Section 15003.

15003. Elections officials shall adopt semifinal official and official canvass procedures to conform to the applicable voting system procedures that have been approved by the Secretary of State. These procedures shall be available for public inspection no later than 29 days before each election.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 1999.)