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HomeElections CodeDiv. 12Ch. 3Art. 4§ 12260 Precinct Boundary Changes

§ 12260 Precinct Boundary Changes

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

§ 12260 Precinct Boundary Changes

This law lets the elections official redraw precinct lines, requires new maps when they do, and says they must give anyone who asks a record of those changes for the past three years.

Key Takeaways

  • •The elections official can change any precinct boundaries.
  • •When changes happen, new detailed maps or descriptions must be made (the county surveyor can help).
  • •Anyone can ask for a list of all boundary changes and consolidations from the past three years, and the official must provide it, keeping the records handy.
  • •The official can charge only the actual cost of copying the information.

Example

A voter moves to a new neighborhood and wants to know if the precinct they belong to has changed in the last two years.

The elections official must look up the precinct boundary changes from the current year and the two years before, show the old and new precinct numbers (maybe with a map), and give that info to the voter (they might have to pay for copying).

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12260 Precinct Boundary Changes

(a) The elections official may change or alter any precinct boundaries. (b) If any changes or alterations are made the elections official shall prepare new detail maps or exterior descriptions thereof, or both. The county surveyor shall, if so requested, provide assistance to the elections official in the preparation of the detail maps or exterior descriptions. (c) The elections official shall provide, at the request of any interested person, the following information: (1) All precinct boundary changes and alterations made within the current calendar year and the immediately preceding two calendar years. (2) All precinct consolidations made within the current calendar year and the immediately preceding two calendar years, specifying the election or elections in which the consolidations were made. (d) The information provided to persons pursuant to subdivision (c) shall include the precinct numbers before the change or alteration and then a description, including precinct numbers, of the changes or alterations. The description may include maps. (e) The information described in subdivisions (c) and (d) shall be compiled for each calendar year and shall be kept and filed so as to be accessible to any person upon request. (f) The elections official may charge a person requesting information the amount needed to reimburse the jurisdiction for the actual expenses incurred in providing copies of the information required under this section. (Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 725, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 1997.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

elections officialprecinct boundariesdetail mapsprecinct consolidationsactual expenses

Related Statutes

  • § 12220 Precinct Boundary Maps
  • § 14283 Assisted Voter Records
  • § 14284 Ballot Marking Requirements
  • § 15260 Election Return Centers
  • § 10310 Election Records Transfer

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 12260.
View Official Source