ARTICLE 3. Vote Tabulating Devices [13240. - 13247.]

Cal. Elections Code - ELEC 3.

in effect

Cal. Elections Code - ELEC § 13240. Section 13240.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this code, the ballots to be counted by means of electronic or electromechanical devices may be of a size, composition, and texture that, and may be printed in any type of ink or combination of inks that, will be suitable for use in the counting devices in which they are intended to be placed.

Cal. Elections Code - ELEC § 13241. Section 13241.

The names of the candidates and the respective offices shall be printed on the ballot in parallel columns at least 2 inches wide.

Cal. Elections Code - ELEC § 13242. Section 13242.

Where electromechanical vote tabulating devices are used to count all or part of the ballots, the names of presidential candidates may be printed in the same column as the names of candidates for other offices.

Cal. Elections Code - ELEC § 13243. Section 13243.

The ballots may contain printed code marks or punched holes that may be used for placing the ballots in correct reading position in the counting devices. The code marks or punched holes shall not be used in any way that will reveal the identity of the voters voting the ballots.

Cal. Elections Code - ELEC § 13244. Section 13244.

The county voter information guide provided pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 13300) shall include a substantial facsimile of the official ballot, including instructions to voters.

Cal. Elections Code - ELEC § 13246. Section 13246.

The device for marking the ballot may be of any size, shape, or form, and the impression made on the ballot may be in the form of a cross, square, circle, rectangle, or any other design that will clearly indicate the choice of the voter. Any type of ink or other substance that will clearly show the voter’s choice may be used in or in conjunction with the marking device.

Cal. Elections Code - ELEC § 13247. Section 13247.

The statement of all measures submitted to the voters shall be abbreviated on the ballot in a ballot label as provided for in Section 9051. The ballot label shall be followed by the words, “Yes” and “No”, except for a statewide referendum measure. The ballot label for a statewide referendum measure shall be followed by the words, “Keep the law” and “Overturn the law.”

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026