This law, known as the Uniform District Election Law, provides definitions for key terms related to district elections in California. It explains what terms like 'affected county,' 'director,' 'district,' 'agency,' 'elective office,' 'elective officer,' and 'general district election' mean. It outlines who qualifies as a 'voter,' what a 'landowner voting district' is, and describes the 'principal act' which is the law that sets up a district or agency. Additionally, it defines 'principal county,' 'resident voting district,' 'secretary,' 'supervising authority,' and other right and role designations relating to elections within district or agency governed areas.
(a)CA Elections Code § 10500(a) This part may be cited as the Uniform District Election Law.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10500(b) As used in this part, the following definitions apply:
(1)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(1) “Affected county” means a county in which any land of the district or agency is situated.
(2)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(2) “Director” means a member of the governing body.
(3)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(3) “District” or
“agency” means any district or agency of the type designated by and formed pursuant to the provisions of any principal act that incorporates this part.
(4)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(4) “Elective office” means any office that may, under the principal act of the district or agency, be filled by way of an election.
(5)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(5) “Elective officer” means “elective officer” as defined by the principal act of each district or agency or if not defined, any officer of a district or agency holding an office that can be filled by election.
(6)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(6) “General district election” means an election held pursuant to the provisions of this part.
(7)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(7) “Governing body” means the board of directors of a district or agency or the board or body which governs the activities of the district or agency.
(8)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(8) “Landowner voting district” means a district whose principal act requires an elector to be an owner of land located within the district.
(9)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(9) “Principal act” means the law providing for the creation of a particular district or agency or type of district or agency.
(10)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(10) “Principal county” means the county in which all the land in the district or agency is situated, or if the district or agency is situated in more than one county, the county in which the greatest portion of the land in the district or agency is situated.
(11)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(11) “Resident voting district” means any district other than a landowner voting district.
(12)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(12) “Secretary” means the secretary of the governing body or a person designated
by him or her to perform a duty of the secretary.
(13)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(13) “Supervising authority” means the board of supervisors of the county in which is situated all or most of the land of a district.
(14)CA Elections Code § 10500(b)(14) “Voter” means a voter or elector as respectively defined in the principal act of each district or agency.
Uniform District Election Law affected county director governing body district agency elective office elective officer general district election landowner voting district principal act principal county resident voting district supervising authority voter board of directors
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 221, Sec. 19. Effective January 1, 2003.)
This law is about the process for electing officials in districts. It outlines how these elections should be organized, carried out, and how the results should be handled and announced.
It is the purpose of this part to provide a procedure for the election of elective officers of districts. These elections shall be called and conducted and the results canvassed, returned, and declared pursuant to this part.
district elections elective officers election procedure result canvassing result declaration electoral process district officials election organization vote counting election results management
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law outlines who is responsible for conducting elections for districts and agencies in California. The county elections official must conduct elections for resident voting districts and may choose to do so for landowner voting districts. If a landowner voting district wants the county's help, it must request it via resolution, agree to cover costs, and provide necessary voter information. Elections could be mail-only and cannot coincide with regular elections. If districts don't provide required info on time, they must handle elections themselves.
This law applies if it conflicts with a district's founding rules and doesn't apply to the first election of district officers except for setting their terms.
(a)CA Elections Code § 10502(a) This part shall apply to all districts and agencies whose principal acts so provide. However, the provisions of this part requiring the county elections official to conduct elections shall apply to all resident voting districts and agencies, and, at the discretion of the county elections official, may apply to landowner voting districts, notwithstanding any other provision of law.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10502(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the county elections official shall conduct an election on
behalf of a landowner voting district if the governing body of the district, by resolution, requests that assistance and agrees to reimburse the county pursuant to Section 10520 and any county ordinances or resolutions consistent therewith. A district making that request shall supply information regarding qualified voters pursuant to Section 10525, and any other pertinent information requested by the county elections official. The election may be conducted by all-mailed ballots at the discretion of the county elections official. The election may not be held on the same date as a regularly scheduled election. The county elections official may rely upon the list of qualified voters and other information supplied by the district and shall not be required to determine the qualified voters. If the district does not supply the required information regarding qualified voters and other pertinent information requested by the county elections official within the time specified in Section 10525, the county elections
official shall have no further obligation with respect to the election, and the district shall be responsible for conducting all remaining election activities.
(c)CA Elections Code § 10502(c) Where this part conflicts with the principal act, this part shall apply and control.
(d)CA Elections Code § 10502(d) This part shall not apply to the election of elective officers of the district upon formation of the district, except as to the term of office of the officers.
county elections official resident voting districts landowner voting districts conducting elections reimbursement qualified voters all-mailed ballots election timing district resolution information supply election assistance request governing body principal acts conflict district election formation term of office
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law section says that if a specific set of election rules ('the principal act') doesn't cover a situation, then California's general election laws are followed. If neither the specific rules nor any part of the principal act apply, the general election laws of California take precedence.
Where this part provides that the principal act shall govern, and the principal act contains no provisions on the matter, the general election laws of this state shall govern. Where neither this part nor the principal act apply, the general election laws of this state shall govern.
principal act general election laws California elections governing rules election procedures legal precedence principal act provisions election governance election law application fallback rules legal hierarchy applicable laws election rule defaults specific vs. general laws legal provisions absence
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law says that when a district secretary has to send a notice or information to the county elections official by a certain date, they have two options. They can either deliver it in person by that date, or they can send it through certified mail, as long as it arrives on time according to the normal mail schedule.
Whenever this part requires the secretary of a district to deliver a notice or other information to the county elections official on or before a designated date, the secretary may personally deliver the notice or other information on or before that date, or may deliver the notice or other information by certified mail if the notice or other information will be received by the county elections official in the ordinary course of the mails on or before that designated date.
district secretary notice delivery county elections official certified mail personal delivery designated date ordinary course of mail information delivery timely submission delivery methods election notice
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law explains how long elected officers in new districts hold their positions. If a district is formed in an odd-numbered year, officers will stay in office until the first Friday in December two years later, unless the election was in November, then different rules apply. If formed in an even-numbered year, they serve until the first Friday in December of the second odd-numbered year afterwards.
The first general district election sets terms by dividing elected directors into two classes by drawing lots: one group serves four years, the other two years. Other elected officials serve four-year terms. Additionally, special districts can choose to hold elections on the same day as statewide general elections by passing a resolution.
The terms of office of elective officers in all new districts shall be determined as follows:
(a)CA Elections Code § 10505(a) If the district is formed in an odd-numbered year, the officers elected at the formation election shall hold office until noon on the first Friday in December of the next following odd-numbered year, provided officers elected at an election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November shall hold office as provided in subdivision (c).
(b)CA Elections Code § 10505(b) If the district is formed in an even-numbered year, the officers elected at the formation election shall hold office until noon on the first Friday in
December of the second next following odd-numbered year.
(c)CA Elections Code § 10505(c) The directors elected at the first general district election held in a district and at a formation election held at the same time as the general district election shall meet as soon as practicable after taking office and classify themselves by lot into two classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, and the terms of office of the class having the greater number shall be four years and the terms of office of the class having the lesser number shall be two years. All other elective officers elected at the election shall hold office for a term of four years or until their successor is elected and qualifies.
(d)CA Elections Code § 10505(d) Pursuant to Section 10404, a special district electing members of the governing body in odd-numbered years may, by
resolution, require that its elections of governing body members be held on the same day as the statewide general election.
elective officers new districts odd-numbered year even-numbered year first Friday in December formation election general district election classify by lot four-year term two-year term successor special district statewide general election resolution governing body elections
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 731, Sec. 6. (AB 1535) Effective January 1, 2016.)
If a district adds more divisions, the first directors' terms can't exceed four years and should stagger elections to keep them balanced in future elections. Once these initial terms end, new directors are elected for four-year terms or until their successors are ready to serve.
Whenever a district shall increase the number of divisions, if there are any, the terms of office of the offices of director thus created shall be determined by the governing body, but in no event shall the term designated by the governing body be for more than four years. The terms of office thus created shall be determined in such a manner as to keep as nearly equal as practicable the number of directors to be elected at each subsequent general district election. Upon the expiration of the term so designated by the governing body, the directorship shall be filled
at the next general district election and general district elections held thereafter. The term of office of each subsequent director thus elected is four years or until his or her successor qualifies and takes office.
district divisions director terms governing body term limits general district election equal election cycles term expiration successor qualification director elections office creation staggered terms four-year term election balance district governance director succession
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law states that if you're elected or appointed to a position under these regulations, you will serve a four-year term unless a replacement is ready to take over sooner.
Except as otherwise provided in this part, the term of office of each elective officer, elected or appointed pursuant to this part, is four years or until his or her successor qualifies and takes office.
elective officer term four-year term successor qualification office term duration appointed officer term of office elective position successor takes office office succession elected or appointed successor requirements officeholder term political office term term expiration office tenure
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law states that the main set of rules for a district will determine if the election of board members (directors) is by smaller sections within a district or by the entire district population. Additionally, the local governing group has the authority to mandate elections based on districts following another specific rule, Section 10650.
The principal act shall govern whether directors of a district are elected by divisions or by the district at large. A governing body may require that the directors of the governing body be elected using district-based elections pursuant to Section 10650.
district elections directors election by divisions at-large elections governing body district-based elections Section 10650 district governance electoral process local authority board members election municipal elections local election laws division elections election rules
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 754, Sec. 1. (AB 2389) Effective January 1, 2017.)
About four months before a general district election, the secretary must send a signed notice with the district seal to the county elections official. This notice should list the district offices up for election and indicate if any are for the remainder of an unexpired term. It also needs to specify who will pay for publishing a candidate's qualification statement – the district or the candidate.
On the 125th day prior to the day fixed for the general district election, the secretary shall deliver a notice to the county elections official. The notice shall bear the secretary’s signature and the district seal and shall also contain both of the following:
(a)CA Elections Code § 10509(a) The elective offices of the district to be filled at the next general district election, specifying which offices, if any, are for the balance of an unexpired term.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10509(b) Whether the district or the candidate is to pay for the publication of a statement of qualifications pursuant to Section 13307.
general district election notice to county elections official district offices up for election unexpired term statement of qualifications district seal elections payment responsibility candidate qualification publication secretary responsibilities candidate election costs election notification deadline elective offices notification section 13307 election preparation county elections process
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 454, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)
If you're running for a district office, you need to get your declaration of candidacy forms from the county elections office, although the district secretary can sometimes provide them too. You can get these forms starting 113 days before the general district election, and you must submit them by 5 p.m. on the 88th day before the election either by hand or mailed ahead of time to meet the deadline. Once filed, candidates cannot withdraw after the deadline.
You are only allowed to run for one district office at a time in the same election, and the county elections official must share filed candidacy declarations with the district secretary if requested.
(a)CA Elections Code § 10510(a) Forms for declarations of candidacy for all district offices shall be obtained from the office of the county elections official. The county elections official may, for convenience or necessity, authorize the district secretary to issue declarations of candidacy. The forms shall first be available on the 113th day prior to the general district election and shall be filed not later than 5 p.m. on the 88th day prior to the general district election in the office of the county elections official during regular office hours or may be filed by
certified mail so that the forms reach the office of the county election official no later than the deadline for filing in that office. The county elections official shall record the date of filing upon the first page of each declaration of candidacy filed pursuant to this section. No candidate shall withdraw his or her declaration of candidacy after 5 p.m. on the 88th day prior to the general district election.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10510(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person shall not file nomination papers for more than one district office or term of office for the same district at the same election.
(c)CA Elections Code § 10510(c) On request of the district secretary, the county elections official shall provide the secretary with a copy of each declaration of candidacy filed pursuant to this section.
district office candidacy declaration of candidacy forms county elections official election deadlines filing candidacy candidate withdrawal district election procedure nominating papers district secretary central county elections authority certified mail filings
(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 86, Sec. 4. Effective July 19, 2005.)
This law section provides a template for someone declaring their candidacy for election to a particular office. The candidate must state their intention to run, confirm they are a registered voter, and agree to accept and perform the duties of the office if elected.
The form requires the candidate's name, address, and phone number, along with an optional occupational designation that must comply with specific rules. Candidates must also declare under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate.
Filing false information can result in fines or imprisonment. The form concludes with a signature, date, and place of execution.
The declaration of candidacy shall be in substantially the following form:
I, _________________, do hereby declare myself as a candidate for election to the office of ___________________. (__ Initial here if the office for which you are running is for the balance of an unexpired term.) I am a registered voter. If elected, I will qualify and accept the office of __________________ and
serve to the best of my ability. I request my name be placed on the official ballot of the district for the election to be held on the ___ day of _______, 20__, and that my name appear on the ballot as follows:
_____
(Print name above)
_____
My current residence address is
and my telephone number is .
I desire the following occupational designation to appear on the
ballot under my name:
_____
(Print desired designation, if any, above)
_____
This occupational
designation is true and in conformance with Section 13107 of the Elections Code.
I am aware that any person who files or submits for filing a declaration of candidacy knowing that it or any part of it has been made falsely is punishable by a fine or imprisonment, or both, as set forth in Section 18203 of the Elections Code.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on , 20__,
at (Place)
_____
(Signature of Candidate)
_____
declaration of candidacy candidate form registered voter requirement official ballot occupational designation Section 13107 compliance perjury penalty penalty of perjury false filing consequences fines and imprisonment signature requirement election candidacy candidate information unexpired term election candidate qualification
(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 296, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2004.)
This law requires each candidate running for office in California to complete an oath or affirmation as stated in the California Constitution, Section 3 of Article XX. This oath must be filed with their candidacy papers. An official from the county elections office or district secretary, or someone they designate, is responsible for administering this oath. The same officials can administer the oath to the candidate once they are elected.
(a)CA Elections Code § 10512(a) Each candidate shall set forth in full the oath or affirmation set forth in Section 3 of Article XX of the California Constitution, which shall be filed with the declaration of candidacy. The county elections official or district secretary, or a person designated by the county elections official or district secretary, shall administer the oath.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10512(b) The county elections official or district secretary, or a person designated by the county elections official or district secretary, may administer the oath or affirmation set forth in Section 3 of Article XX of the California Constitution to the candidate elected to
office.
candidate oath California Constitution oath oath administration declaration of candidacy county elections official district secretary oath for elected office affirmation filing Section 3 of Article XX election requirements candidacy paperwork official oaths election official duties oath of office candidate requirements
(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 562, Sec. 7. (AB 1829) Effective January 1, 2020.)
When someone files to run for office, the county elections official checks their declaration to ensure it meets legal requirements. The official can request information from county officers to help with this review.
Upon filing each declaration of candidacy, the county elections official shall examine the declaration to determine if it conforms with the provisions of this part and shall certify whether it is sufficient. For this purpose, the elections official shall be entitled to obtain from any officer of an affected county all information necessary to make this determination.
declaration of candidacy county elections official sufficient certification filing for office elections official duties conformity check information request candidate qualification review county officer information candidacy verification election requirements candidate filing compliance official certification process county elections review election declaration examination
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law states that the main governing law of a specific district decides what qualifications are needed for someone to run for or hold an elected position within that district.
The qualifications of a candidate for elective office, and of an elective officer, of a district shall be determined by the principal act of that district.
candidate qualifications elective office elective officer district governance principal act election requirements district election qualifications requirements for office officeholder qualifications district-specific rules election law district office candidacy electoral qualifications local governance principal district act
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law outlines the procedures for appointing candidates to elective offices in general district elections when there are not enough candidates. If only one candidate files for an office, or no one does, or the number of candidates does not exceed the available positions, the election will not occur if no petition is presented by voters. Instead, the supervising authority will appoint the candidates. If no candidates are available, any qualified person may be appointed. In cases where the office involves representation of a division mainly outside the county of the supervising authority, the county's board of supervisors where the division is located will handle the appointment.
(a)CA Elections Code § 10515(a) If, by 5 p.m. on the 83rd day prior to the day fixed for the general district election: (1) only one person has filed a declaration of candidacy for any elective office to be filled at that election, (2) no one has filed a declaration of candidacy for such an office, (3) in the case of directors to be elected from the district at large, the number of persons who have filed a declaration of candidacy for director at large does not exceed the number of offices of director at large to be filled at that election, or (4) in the case of
directors who must reside in a division but be elected at large, the number of candidates for director at large from a division does not exceed the number required to be elected director at large while residing in that division; and if a petition signed by 10 percent of the voters or 50 voters, whichever is the smaller number, in the district or division if elected by division, requesting that the general district election be held has not been presented to the officer conducting the election, he or she shall submit a certificate of these facts to the supervising authority and request that the supervising authority, at a regular or special meeting held prior to the Monday before the first Friday in December in which the election is held, appoint to the office or offices the person or persons, if any, who have filed declarations of candidacy. The supervising authority shall make these appointments.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10515(b) If no person has filed a declaration of
candidacy for any office, the supervising authority shall appoint any person to the office who is qualified on the date when the election would have been held. The person appointed shall qualify and take office and serve exactly as if elected at a general district election for the office.
(c)CA Elections Code § 10515(c) Where a director must be appointed to represent a division, all or most of which is not within the county governed by the supervising authority, then the board of supervisors of the county within which all or most of that division is located shall be the body to which request for appointment is made and which shall make the appointment.
general district election declaration of candidacy uncontested election candidate appointment supervising authority election petition divisional representation board of supervisors elective office vacancy qualified appointee voter petition threshold appointment procedures
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
If a current officeholder in a district doesn't submit their candidacy by the deadline, or submits and withdraws by that time, others can file to run for the position until a later deadline. This law applies only if there is an incumbent, and candidates can withdraw their candidacy by the later deadline as well.
(a)CA Elections Code § 10516(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any district or agency election, if a declaration of candidacy for an incumbent elective officer of a district is not filed by 5 p.m. on the 88th day before the general district election, or is filed but then is withdrawn before 5 p.m. on the 88th day before the election, any person other than the person who was the incumbent on the 88th day shall have until 5 p.m. on the 83rd day before the election to file a declaration of candidacy for the elective office.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10516(b) This section is not applicable where there is no incumbent to be elected. If this section is applicable, notwithstanding Section 10510,
a candidate may withdraw their declaration of candidacy until 5 p.m. on the 83rd day before the general election.
district election incumbent officer candidacy declaration withdrawal of candidacy general district election filing deadline candidate filing extension elective office 88th day deadline 83rd day deadline incumbent absence candidate replacement election procedure candidate filing rules district agency election
(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 355, Sec. 13. (AB 1784) Effective January 1, 2025.)
This law says that the county elections official in each involved county is responsible for running the general district election for the parts of the district within their county. If a district stretches across multiple counties, the election officials in those counties can agree to let one official handle the election for the whole district.
Except as otherwise provided by this part, the county elections official of each affected county shall conduct the general district election for the portion of the district located within the county. Where a district is located in two or more counties, the county elections officials of these counties may contract among themselves to have one of their number conduct the election for the district.
county elections official general district election multi-county district election coordination district election responsibility contract among officials conducting elections election process county jurisdiction affected counties district location election management inter-county agreement
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
If there is only one district election happening in a county, the county's election official can allow the district's officer to take over some election duties usually handled by the county elections office.
If, within any portion of a county, only one district has scheduled a general district election, the county elections official may authorize the appropriate officer of the district to perform any of the functions required of the county elections official under this part.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law allows a district governing body to ask the county elections official or the supervising authority to take over the responsibilities of the district secretary or the governing body itself if needed.
At the request of a district governing body, the county elections official may perform any of the duties of the district secretary and the supervising authority may perform any of the duties of the district governing body.
district governing body county elections official district secretary duties supervising authority election duties delegation district governance local government responsibilities district official duties delegation of duties special district operations
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law says that if there is a general district election in a county, each district involved must pay the county back for the actual costs the county spent on running that election.
The county elections official will figure out how much each district owes and send them a bill.
Each district involved in a general district election in an affected county shall reimburse the county for the actual costs incurred by the county elections official thereof in conducting the general district election for that district. The county elections official of the affected county shall determine the amount due from each district and shall bill each district accordingly.
district election costs reimbursement county elections official billing districts election expenses cost determination affected county general district election election cost allocation county billing responsibility
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law section explains that the rules about who can vote in a district, how many votes each person gets, and how to figure out those numbers rely on the main law set for that specific district.
Qualifications of voters of a district, the number of votes each voter may cast, and the method of determining that number of votes shall be governed by the principal act of that district.
voter qualifications district voting rules voter eligibility voting rights principal act vote determination method district governance voter rights in districts number of votes district election procedures
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law requires the secretary of a voting district to provide a map and details about election divisions to the county elections official at least 125 days before the general district election. The map must show district boundaries and specify where directors or officers will be elected.
At least 125 days prior to the day fixed for the general district election, the secretary of a resident voting district shall deliver to the county elections official of each affected county a map showing the boundaries of the district and the boundaries of the divisions of the district, if any, within that county and a statement indicating in which divisions a director is to be elected and whether any elective officer is to be elected at large at the next general district election.
district election voting district map of district boundary divisions county elections official director election elective officer general district election resident voting district
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
In any district where there are less than 100 registered voters, elections will be held at large, meaning all voters can vote for all positions rather than dividing the district into smaller areas.
Notwithstanding any provision in the principal act, elections shall be at large in any resident voter district in which there are fewer than 100 voters.
at-large elections resident voter district fewer than 100 voters small district elections voter registration voter threshold election process district elections voting rules California elections local elections election districts voter count electoral provision voting rights
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
At least 125 days before the general district election, the secretary of a landowner voting district must provide a county elections official in each relevant county with a map or description of the district or divisions where elections will occur.
At least 125 days prior to the date fixed by the general district election, the secretary of a landowner voting district shall deliver to the county elections official of each affected county a map or description of the boundaries of the district or divisions for which elections are to be held.
landowner voting district district boundaries general district election county elections official election map election divisions election preparation election timeline election logistics 125-day deadline boundary description district map submission county coordination election planning district elections
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law details the process for preparing a list of eligible voters for a landowner district election, which must be done at least 35 days before the election. The district secretary creates this list of voters qualified to vote according to that district's rules and must obtain necessary information from county offices. The list includes each voter’s name, residence, voting division, and how votes are distributed. The list needs to be signed by the district secretary, sealed, and publicly posted. Alternatively, the district may delegate these duties to the county elections official through a resolution.
(a)CA Elections Code § 10525(a) At least 35 days prior to the date fixed for the landowner district election, the secretary of a landowner district for which an election has not been canceled pursuant to Section 10515, shall deliver to the county elections official of each affected county a list of voters qualified under the principal act of that district to vote in that county at the next landowner district election. For this purpose, the secretary of a landowner voting district shall be entitled to obtain from any office of an affected county all information necessary
to prepare the list.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10525(b) The list delivered pursuant to subdivision (a) shall contain the name of each voter qualified under the principal act of the landowner voting district to vote at the next landowner district election, the residence of each voter, the division, if any, of the district in which each voter is entitled to vote, and the manner in which the votes are to be distributed.
(c)CA Elections Code § 10525(c) The secretary of the landowner district shall sign his or her name and affix the seal of the district at the bottom of the last page of the list. One copy of this list shall be conspicuously posted in the office of the district in a place to which the public generally has access. If the office is located in a private home, the list shall be posted in some public building.
(d)CA Elections Code § 10525(d) The governing board may, by resolution, determine that
the duties of the secretary set forth in this section would best be performed by the county elections official, in which case the county elections official shall thereafter assume these duties.
landowner district election voter list preparation district secretary duties county elections official voter qualification public posting of voter list district governance election preparation timeline voter information delegation of duties list signing and sealing voter residence voting divisions information access from offices public access to election information
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
Thirty days before a general district election, the county elections official must prepare enough ballots for all voters in each district taking part in the election.
At least 30 days prior to the day fixed for the next general district election, the county elections official shall have prepared a sufficient number of ballots for the voters of each resident voter district participating in the election.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law requires the county elections official to prepare enough ballots for voters in landowner voting districts at least 20 days before the next general district election.
At least 20 days prior to the date fixed for the next general district election, the county elections official shall have prepared a sufficient number of ballots for the voters of each landowner voting district participating in the election.
ballot preparation general district election landowner voting district county elections official preparing ballots election timeline voter ballots election preparation district election ballots 20 days prior ballot sufficiency election planning voter participation election officials voting preparation
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law explains how ballots should be designed for landowner voting districts and resident voting districts during general district elections. For landowner districts, the ballot form is decided by that district's governing rules. For resident voting districts, the county elections official decides the ballot form. If possible, the official can simplify things by combining elections into one ballot in the same area.
Except as otherwise provided by this part, the form of the ballot to be used by the voters of a landowner voting district participating in the general district election shall be governed by the principal act of that district. The county elections official shall determine and specify the form of the ballot to be used by the voters of resident voting districts and may, if practicable, provide a consolidated ballot covering two or more district elections in the same precinct.
landowner voting districts resident voting districts ballot form general district election county elections official principal act consolidated ballot precinct district elections ballot design voter participation election procedures governing rules election consolidation voting process
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law states that once a candidate's application to run for office is confirmed as valid, that candidate's name will appear on the election ballot. However, if the candidate passes away, and this is officially known at least 68 days before the election, their name will not be printed on the ballot.
Whenever a candidate has filed a declaration of candidacy, and the candidate’s declaration of candidacy has been certified as sufficient pursuant to Section 10513, the name of the candidate shall be printed upon the ballot unless the candidate has died and that fact has been ascertained by the officer charged with the duty of printing the ballots, at least 68 days before the day of the election.
candidate declaration ballot printing candidate death election process ballot certification election timeline candidate name removal pre-election preparation ballot rules certified candidacy 68 days rule pre-election procedures
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This section says that vote-by-mail voting should generally follow the same rules as general elections, unless a district specifically allows voting by proxy or decides to conduct an all-mail ballot election through a resolution.
Vote by mail voting shall be allowed and conducted as nearly as practicable in accordance with Division 3 (commencing with Section 3000) pertaining to general elections, except in those districts in which voting by proxy is allowed unless a particular district shall, by resolution pursuant to Section 4108, provide for an all-mail ballot election.
vote by mail mail ballot election voting by proxy all-mail ballot district resolution Division 3 rules Section 3000 compliance general election procedures mail voting regulations proxy voting exception
(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 508, Sec. 68. Effective January 1, 2008.)
This law allows landowner district elections to use vote by mail (instead of voting by proxy) if the district's governing board adopts this option at least 110 days before the election. Any eligible voter can request a mail ballot, and the required application form must include specific information like the voter's name, address, and signature. The election official will send the ballot to the voter once the application is verified. The ballot package will include a declaration under penalty of perjury confirming the voter's eligibility to vote. This mail voting process must follow certain regulations and be consistent with landowner voting laws.
Notwithstanding any law, vote by mail voting shall be allowed in lieu of voting by proxy in an landowner district election in which voting by proxy is allowed if, at least 110 days before the election, the governing board of the district adopts this section. If a district adopts this section, the voting shall be conducted as follows:
(a)CA Elections Code § 10531(a) The vote by mail ballot shall be available to any eligible voter of the district.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10531(b) The form of application for the ballot shall be distributed to each voter with the voter information guide and shall contain spaces for each of the following:
(1)CA Elections Code § 10531(b)(1) The printed name and address of the voter.
(2)CA Elections Code § 10531(b)(2) The address to which the ballot is to be mailed.
(3)CA Elections Code § 10531(b)(3) The voter’s signature.
(4)CA Elections Code § 10531(b)(4) The authorization of a legal representative, as defined in Section 34030 of the Water Code, to receive the vote by mail voter’s ballot if the voter so chooses.
(5)CA Elections Code § 10531(b)(5) The name and date of the election for which the request is made.
(6)CA Elections Code § 10531(b)(6) The date the application shall be received by the county elections official, which date shall be at least seven days before the election.
(7)CA Elections Code § 10531(b)(7) The insertion of the voter information guide name and address label on the application.
(c)CA Elections Code § 10531(c) Upon receipt of vote by mail ballot application and verification that it has been properly completed, the county elections official shall mail vote by mail voter’s ballot to the voter or legal representative with an identification envelope, which shall contain each of the following:
(1)CA Elections Code § 10531(c)(1) A declaration under penalty of perjury stating that the voter is entitled to vote in the election.
(2)CA Elections Code § 10531(c)(2) Space for the signature of the voter or legal representative and the date of signing.
(3)CA Elections Code § 10531(c)(3) A notice that the envelope contains an official ballot and is to be opened
only by the appropriate elections officials.
(d)CA Elections Code § 10531(d) The voting shall be pursuant to those additional procedures, if any, that the county elections official shall deem necessary to the proper conduct of the election, provided that the overall additional procedures shall substantially comply with Division 3 (commencing with Section 3000) and Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 15000) of Division 15, and shall be consistent with landowner voting requirements.
(e)CA Elections Code § 10531(e) Notwithstanding Section 10525, the list of voters for landowner voting district elections in which vote by mail voting is allowed shall be delivered to the county elections official at least 40 days before the election.
(f)CA Elections Code § 10531(f) The voter information guide for landowner voting
district elections in which vote by mail voting is allowed shall be mailed at least 20 days before the election.
vote by mail landowner district election voting by proxy mail ballot application voter information guide election board approval election forms voter signature legal representative eligible voter ballot verification penalty of perjury ballot identification envelope elections official landowner voting requirements
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 422, Sec. 56. (AB 2911) Effective January 1, 2017.)
This law section says that if a district's main rules allow it, a voter can have someone else vote on their behalf, known as voting by proxy. How this is done will follow the district's main rules as closely as possible.
Nothing in this part shall prohibit a voter of a district, or his legal representative, from voting by proxy if this right is provided for by the principal act of that district, and the requirements and qualifications necessary for voting by proxy shall be governed, as nearly as practicable, by the principal act of that district.
voting by proxy proxy voting district voting rules voter rights legal representatives principal act of district proxy qualifications voting procedures proxy vote regulation proxy vote eligibility
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law requires the county elections official to prepare and provide a voter list and roster for each precinct during a general district election. If different district elections are combined on one ballot, the elections official can create a single, consolidated voter list for all voters using that ballot. These lists and rosters must be given to each precinct board before the polls open.
For elections in districts where land ownership affects voting rights, the voter list must show how many votes each voter is allowed to cast.
(a)CA Elections Code § 10533(a) The county elections official shall prepare for each precinct one voter list and one roster for each ballot form to be used at the polling place of the precinct at the general district election. Where, as provided by Section 10528, the county elections official provides for a consolidated ballot covering two or more district elections in the same precinct, the county elections official may also provide a consolidated voter list and consolidated roster for the voters receiving the consolidated ballot. The county elections official shall
furnish each precinct board with its respective lists and rosters prior to the opening of the polls.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10533(b) For a landowner voting district election, the voter list shall specify the number of votes each voter is entitled to cast.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
If the county elections official doesn't appoint a voting team for a district election, or if the appointed team isn't there when voting starts, the majority of voters present can form the team themselves. They can either appoint the entire team or find replacements for any missing members.
If the county elections official fails to appoint a precinct board or the members appointed are not present when the polls open on the day of the general district election, a majority of the voters of the precinct present at that hour, including members of the precinct board, may appoint the precinct board or appoint a person in place of an absent member.
precinct board appointment absent board members voters appointing board general district election county elections official forming voting team election day procedures polls opening voter majority decision replacement appointment election management voter participation in election process emergency procedures polling station staffing
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law states that the inspector is the leader or head of the precinct board during elections.
The inspector is chairman of the precinct board.
inspector chairman precinct board election management election official board leadership precinct operations voting process election inspector duties polling place supervisor
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law says that if a judge or an election official can't perform their duties during an election, the inspector in charge can choose someone else to fill in.
If during the election any judge or elections official ceases to act, the inspector may appoint a substitute.
judge replacement elections official substitute appointment election inspector judicial vacancy ceases to act election duties official absence temporary replacement election day protocol
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
If the person in charge of overseeing an election at a polling place stops being able to do their job, the remaining members of the team can choose someone to take their place.
If the inspector ceases to act, a majority of the remaining members of the precinct board may appoint a substitute.
election inspector replacement precinct board appoint substitute polling place management election oversight loss of inspector substitute appointment election team precinct official duties replacement process majority decision temporary vacancy election day procedures poll worker roles inspector duties
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law allows any member of a precinct board to give and confirm oaths that are necessary during an election.
Any member of a precinct board may administer and certify oaths required to be administered during an election.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
Before the polls open, every member of the precinct board must sign a promise to do their job properly. They can make this promise in front of the inspector or another board member.
Before opening the polls, each member of the precinct board shall sign a declaration to perform faithfully his or her duties, before the inspector or before any other member of the board.
precinct board polls opening declaration duty performance board member duties inspector election duty sign declaration polling responsibility poll worker oath
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law states that candidates must submit statements about their qualifications to the county elections official. These statements are then included in the voters’ pamphlet, which is mailed out if required.
Candidates’ statements of their qualifications submitted in accordance with Section 13307 shall be filed with the county elections official, who shall cause the voters’ pamphlet, if any is required, to be mailed.
candidates' statements qualifications county elections official voters' pamphlet mailing pamphlet candidate submission election materials voter information election process pamphlet requirements
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 221, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 2003.)
This law states that polling places must open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. However, if all eligible voters in a precinct have voted before 8 p.m., the precinct board can close the polls early, count the votes, and report the results as the law requires. Despite early closing, no vote counts or results can be announced before 8 p.m.
The polls shall open at 7 a.m. and remain open until 8 p.m. In any precinct in which all of the eligible voters have voted prior to the time for closing the polls, the precinct board may thereupon close the polls, canvass the votes and make the returns as required by law. However, regardless of the time of closing the polls, no totals of votes cast or other returns shall be announced or disclosed prior to 8 p.m.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law section explains that for each landowner voting district involved in a general district election, the district's main set of rules will determine how voting is done. This includes how ballots are given to voters, how votes are cast, and how ballots are returned and put in the ballot box.
The principal act of each landowner voting district participating in the general district election shall govern the manner in which the ballot is delivered by the clerk or judge to a voter of that district, the method by which the voter casts his vote or votes, and the manner in which the ballot is returned by the voter to the clerk or judge and placed in the ballot box.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law section specifies that voting, counting votes at polling places, and delivering election results to the county elections officials should generally follow the same rules used for general elections, unless there are specific exceptions in this part of the code.
Voting shall be conducted, the canvass at the polls made, and the returns delivered to the county elections official, except as otherwise provided by this part, as nearly as practicable in accordance with the provisions of this code pertaining to general elections.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
The law allows the decision-making group of a district to set rules on how much money can be donated to political campaigns in elections for district positions.
A governing body of a district may, by resolution, limit campaign contributions in elections to district offices.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law section outlines the procedure for handling election materials, like envelopes and voter lists, after an election. The inspector must seal these materials in an envelope while a judge and clerk are present. This envelope is then labeled with the precinct's name and marked as election returns.
After that, the envelope must be directed to the county elections official. Finally, the inspector or a designated responsible person must deliver it immediately to the county elections official.
The envelope, certificate with the roster, tally lists, and voter list, shall be all of the following:
(a)CA Elections Code § 10545(a) Sealed in an envelope by the inspector in the presence of the judge and clerk.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10545(b) Endorsed “Election returns of (naming the precinct) precinct.”
(c)CA Elections Code § 10545(c) Directed to the county elections official.
(d)CA Elections Code § 10545(d) Immediately delivered by the inspector or by a responsible person designated by him, to the county elections official.
election materials envelope sealing inspector duties judge and clerk presence precinct labeling county elections official delivery of election returns election returns endorsement tally lists handling voter list procedures designated delivery person
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 806, Sec. 27. (SB 286) Effective January 1, 2018.)
This law states that if there is a need to recount votes in a general district election, the process will follow the rules outlined in another part of the law, specifically starting with Section 15600 in Chapter 12 of Division 15.
Recount of votes in any general district election shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 15600) of Division 15.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
The county elections official is required to start reviewing and tallying the election results no later than the first Thursday following any general district election.
The county elections official shall commence the canvass of the returns not later than the first Thursday after each general district election.
county elections official canvass returns first Thursday general district election election results tallying reviewing results election timeline district election procedures
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law requires that the vote-counting process be done openly, where the votes for each candidate are publicly opened, counted, and the results announced.
The canvass shall be made in public and by opening the returns and determining the vote for each person voted for and declaring the results thereof.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law states that as long as the records from a general district election, like rosters or tally lists, can be clearly understood, they can't be disregarded simply because they don't follow a specific format.
No roster, tally list, or certificate returned from any general district election shall be set aside or rejected for want of form if it can be satisfactorily understood.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
Once the county elections official announces the results of an election, they must send a detailed statement of the results to each participating district's secretary. This statement includes the total ballots cast for each office, the name of each candidate, and the number of votes received in each precinct and division (if applicable), all duly signed and authenticated with the county seal.
As soon as the result of the canvass by the county elections official is declared, the county elections official shall prepare and mail a statement of the result to the secretary of each district participating in the general district election. The statement shall be signed by the county elections official, authenticated by the seal of the county and shall show:
(a)CA Elections Code § 10550(a) The number of ballots cast for elective offices of that district and, when directors of that district are elected by divisions, the number
of ballots cast in each division.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10550(b) The name of each candidate for an elective office of that district voted for and the office.
(c)CA Elections Code § 10550(c) The number of votes cast in each precinct for each candidate.
(d)CA Elections Code § 10550(d) When directors are elected by divisions, the number of votes cast in each division for each candidate for the office of director from that division.
(e)CA Elections Code § 10550(e) The number of votes cast in the district for all other elective offices of that district.
county elections official district election results ballots cast candidate names votes per precinct votes per division district secretary election statement county seal authentication elective offices division elections
(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
Before the first Friday in December, the county elections official must declare the winning candidate(s) for any elective office based on who received the most votes. If only one person is to be elected, the candidate with the highest votes wins. If multiple people are to be elected, the number of candidates with the highest votes matching the number of available positions will be declared elected.
If there's a tie that prevents determining a winner, the county elections official will inform the district's governing body. The tie will be resolved by a random draw, or 'lot,' conducted by the governing body. The candidate chosen through this process will take office as if elected in the general district election.
(a)CA Elections Code § 10551(a) No later than the Monday before the first Friday in December the county elections official shall declare the elected candidate or candidates. If there is but one person to be elected to an elective office, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes cast for the candidates for that office shall be declared elected. If there are two or more persons to be elected to an elective office, those candidates equal in number to the number to be elected who receive the highest number of votes for the office shall be declared elected.
(b)CA Elections Code § 10551(b) If a tie vote makes it impossible to determine which of two or more candidates has been elected, the county elections official shall notify the governing body of the district thereof, and the governing body shall forthwith notify the candidates who have received the tie votes to appear before it either personally or by representative at a time and place designated by the governing body. The governing body shall, at that time and place, determine the tie by lot and the results thereof shall be declared by the governing body. The candidate so chosen shall qualify, take office and serve as though elected at the preceding general district election.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
As soon as someone is elected, the county elections official must quickly provide them with an official certificate of election, which is signed by the elections official.
The county elections official shall immediately make and deliver to each person elected a certificate of election signed by the county elections official.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law states that elected officials, or those appointed, assume their roles at noon on the first Friday in December after the general district election. Before they start, they must take an official oath and complete any necessary bonding as required by the governing act.
Elective officers, elected or appointed pursuant to this part, take office at noon on the first Friday in December next following the general district election. Prior to taking office, each elective officer shall take the official oath and execute any bond required by the principal act.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This section of the law states that elections where only landowners can vote cannot be combined with elections where all residents can vote. However, other types of elections conducted by a district may be combined with different elections if they follow specific rules starting with Section 10400.
Notwithstanding Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1000) of Division 1, no landowner voting district election shall be consolidated with any resident voter election regardless of whether it is held pursuant to this part. Except as specified in the preceding sentence, an election conducted by a district subject to this part may be consolidated with any other election pursuant to Part 3 (commencing with Section 10400).
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
This law says that small mistakes or informalities in how a general district election is conducted will not make the election invalid, as long as the overall process was fair.
No informalities in the conduct of the general district election or any matters related to it shall invalidate the election if fairly conducted.
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(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)
