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HomeElections CodeDiv. 12Ch. 3Art. 4§ 12261 Election Precinct Boundary Rules

§ 12261 Election Precinct Boundary Rules

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

§ 12261 Election Precinct Boundary Rules

This law says the voting precinct lines used in a general election must be the same as those used in the primary election, unless they need to be changed because of population shifts, too many voters in one precinct, or changes in city or county borders.

Key Takeaways

  • •General‑election precincts normally copy the primary‑election precincts.
  • •If a precinct has more than 1,000 voters, it must be divided.
  • •Precinct lines can also change if the population moves or city/county borders change.

Example

A town’s precinct has 1,200 registered voters, which is more than the 1,000‑voter limit.

Because the precinct is too big, the election officials must split it into two smaller precincts before the next general election, keeping the rest of the lines the same as they were for the primary.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12261 Election Precinct Boundary Rules

(a) The boundaries of precincts for the general election shall be the same as those established for the direct primary election, except to the extent necessary to add or subtract precincts as the result of population change or to divide precincts containing more than 1,000 voters or to change precinct boundaries due to jurisdictional boundary changes, or consolidations of elections. Changes of precinct boundaries may also be made when consolidating precincts. (b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2005. (Repealed (in Sec. 6) and added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 904, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2002. Section operative January 1, 2005, by its own provisions.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

precinctsgeneral electiondirect primary electionpopulation changejurisdictional boundary changesconsolidations of elections

Related Statutes

  • § 15260 Election Return Centers
  • § 12220 Precinct Boundary Maps
  • § 12221 Precinct Boundary Definitions
  • § 12260 Precinct Boundary Changes
  • § 12262 Election Boundary Change Deadline

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 12261.
View Official Source