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HomeElections CodeDiv. 13Ch. 1§ 13006 Ballot Storage Authorization Rules

§ 13006 Ballot Storage Authorization Rules

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

§ 13006 Ballot Storage Authorization Rules

This law says anyone who stores election ballot papers or cards must first get written permission from the Secretary of State, and any unused ballots must be destroyed and reported.

Key Takeaways

  • •You must have written authorization from the Secretary of State before storing any ballot papers or cards.
  • •The authorization must state exactly how many ballots you can keep so they can be tracked.
  • •Unused ballots that aren't approved for future use must be destroyed and a certificate of destruction must be sent to the Secretary of State.

Example

A company that prints and holds ballot papers for a local election keeps extra copies in its warehouse for the next election without asking the Secretary of State.

Because they didn't get written permission, they are breaking the law. They must get a written authorization that says how many ballots they can keep, and any extra ballots that aren't used must be shredded and a certificate of destruction sent to the Secretary of State.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 13006 Ballot Storage Authorization Rules

A user, vendor, or manufacturer shall not warehouse for a subsequent election ballot paper or ballot cards furnished or released by the Secretary of State for a specific election without first obtaining authorization in writing from the Secretary of State for the storage. The authorization shall include the particular details of the amount to be stored so that audit controls may be established and maintained. Ballot paper or ballot cards not used in that election, not authorized to be retained for subsequent elections, and not returned to the Secretary of State, shall be destroyed. A certificate of destruction setting forth the date of destruction and the amount of the ballot paper or ballot cards destroyed shall be transmitted to the Secretary of State. (Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 333, Sec. 4. (SB 1404) Effective January 1, 2011.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

ballot paperballot cardsauthorizationSecretary of Statecertificate of destruction

Related Statutes

  • § 13002 Ballot Security Features
  • § 13004 Ballot Card Manufacturing Rules
  • § 13005 Ballot Card Purchase Release
  • § 11 Election Officials Uniformity Meetings
  • § 11023 Recall Officer Response Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 13006.
View Official Source