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HomeElections CodeDiv. 10Pt. 6Ch. 1§ 10700 Governor Calls Special Elections

§ 10700 Governor Calls Special Elections

Elections Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 10700 Governor Calls Special Elections

This law says the Governor has to announce a special election when a congressional or state legislative seat becomes empty, and must do it within 14 days, sending the announcement to every county board.

Key Takeaways

  • •The Governor calls all statewide special elections by proclamation.
  • •If a congressional or legislative seat is vacant, the proclamation must be issued within 14 calendar days.
  • •A copy of the proclamation must be sent to the board of supervisors of every affected county.

Example

A state senator resigns from office.

The Governor must issue a proclamation within two weeks telling the public when the special election will be held, and must mail a copy of that proclamation to the board of supervisors in each county.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 10700 Governor Calls Special Elections

The Governor shall call all statewide special elections by issuing a proclamation pursuant to Section 12000. Except as provided by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 10730), in the case of a vacancy in a congressional or legislative office the Governor shall issue a proclamation, within 14 calendar days of the occurrence of the vacancy, calling a special election in accordance with Section 10703. A copy of the proclamation shall be sent to the board of supervisors of each affected county. (Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 658, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

proclamationspecial electionsvacancycongressional or legislative officeboard of supervisors

Related Statutes

  • § 10002 City Election Services Request
  • § 10004 Special District Election Failure
  • § 10701 Filling Legislative Vacancies
  • § 10702 Special Election Candidate Procedures
  • § 10703 Special Election Vacancy Timing

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 10700.
View Official Source