The general election contest provisions of this division, exclusive of Article 1 (commencing with Section 16700) of Chapter 8, Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 16800), and Article 1 (commencing with Section 16900) of Chapter 10, shall also apply to the recount of votes cast on a ballot measure, insofar as they can be made applicable.
Chapter 1General Provisions
Section § 16000
This section of the law states that the rules used to challenge general election results also apply to recounts of votes on ballot measures, unless exceptions listed apply. The exceptions are certain articles in Chapters 8, 9, and 10.
election recount ballot measure recount vote contest California election rules general election challenge recount provisions vote recount exceptions ballot measure voting election contest exceptions recount process California ballot measures general election rules
Section § 16002
This law defines two key terms for election contests in California. A "contestant" is someone who starts a challenge to an election result. A "defendant" is either the person whose election or nomination is being challenged or those receiving the equal highest number of votes, excluding the contestant, when no clear winner is declared in non-primary elections.
When used in this division, “contestant” means any person initiating an election contest. “Defendant” means that person whose election or nomination is contested or those persons receiving an equal and highest number of votes, other than the contestant, where, in other than primary elections, the body canvassing the returns declares that no one person has received the highest number of votes for the contested office.
election contest contestant defendant election challenge nomination contest equal votes non-primary elections election result canvassing returns election winner vote totals challenging election results election terminology highest number of votes canvassing body
Section § 16003
This law states that any legal challenge or appeal regarding the election of presidential electors must be resolved quickly, taking precedence over other civil cases. The final decision must be made at least six days before the specific December date when electoral votes are cast.
In a contest of the election of presidential electors the action or appeal shall have priority over all other civil matters. Final determination and judgment shall be rendered at least six days before the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December.
presidential electors election contest civil matters priority cases final determination judgment deadline appeal process legal challenge electoral votes timely resolution December deadline election disputes priority over civil contest resolution electoral process timeline
