Elections Using Voting MachinesCounting Procedures

Section § 19380

Explanation

This law requires that after an election, the precinct board must create a certified report of the voting results. This report must include the total votes, the votes each candidate or measure received, and votes for anyone not officially nominated.

Before and after the polls open, there are specific procedures the precinct board must follow. Before the polls open, they check and certify the voting machines to ensure they're reset to zero and ready for voting. After the polls close, they confirm and document that the voting machine is locked and sealed, recording the final voter count and machine settings.

The statement of the result of votes cast, which shall be certified by the precinct board, shall contain:
(a)CA Elections Code § 19380(a) The total number of votes cast.
(b)CA Elections Code § 19380(b) The number of votes cast for each candidate and measure as shown on the statement of return of votes cast.
(c)CA Elections Code § 19380(c) The number of votes for persons not nominated.
(d)CA Elections Code § 19380(d) Printed directions to the precinct board for their guidance before the polls are opened and when the polls are closed.
(e)CA Elections Code § 19380(e) A certificate which shall be signed by the election officers before the polls are opened, showing:
(1)CA Elections Code § 19380(e)(1) The delivery of the keys in a sealed envelope.
(2)CA Elections Code § 19380(e)(2) The number on the seal or seals.
(3)CA Elections Code § 19380(e)(3) The number registered on the protective counter.
(4)CA Elections Code § 19380(e)(4) Whether all of the counters are set at zero (000).
(5)CA Elections Code § 19380(e)(5) Whether the public counter is set at zero (000).
(f)CA Elections Code § 19380(f) A certificate that shall be filled out after the polls have been closed, showing:
(1)CA Elections Code § 19380(f)(1) That the voting machine has been locked against voting and sealed.
(2)CA Elections Code § 19380(f)(2) The number of voters as shown on the public counter.
(3)CA Elections Code § 19380(f)(3) The number on the seal or seals.
(4)CA Elections Code § 19380(f)(4) The number registered on the protective counter.
(5)CA Elections Code § 19380(f)(5) That the voting machine is closed and locked.
precinct board certified voting results total votes ...

Section § 19381

Explanation

As soon as voting ends, the precinct board must send a signed, unsealed copy of the election results from the polling place to the elections official. This copy must be available for the public to see.

The precinct board shall immediately transmit unsealed to the elections official a copy of the result of the votes cast at the polling place, the copy shall be signed by the members of the precinct board, and shall be open to public inspection.
precinct board elections official election results ...