California sets specific dates for elections. Elections occur on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March during even-numbered years divisible by four, and also in odd-numbered years. Additionally, elections happen on the second Tuesday of April in even-numbered years. Another election date is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June for even-numbered years that aren't divisible by four. Lastly, there is an election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November every year.

This law section specifies when statewide elections in California occur. They are held in November during even-numbered years and in March and June, with particular conditions: June elections are for years not divisible by four, while March elections occur during years that are divisible by four.

This law states that all elections for the state, counties, cities, districts, and schools must occur on designated election dates. There's an exception mentioned in a different section (Section 1003), which isn't detailed here.

This law section provides exceptions to the rules described in this chapter. It does not apply to special elections called by the Governor or elections in charter cities/counties where the charter conflicts with this chapter. It also excludes certain school board elections, especially those that are consolidated or initiated by petition under specific education code sections. Likewise, elections that require or are allowed to be held by schools in charter areas consolidated with larger city/county elections are exempt. The law also does not apply to various local initiatives, referendums, or recall elections, nor to any election conducted exclusively by mail ballot or certain education code-specific elections.