LawWiki
HomeCodesSearchGlossaryAPIAbout
LawWiki

Plain English summaries of California law with zero-hallucination AI. Every summary is verified against official source text.

Product

  • Search
  • Codes
  • About

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Disclaimer

© 2026 LawWiki. All rights reserved.

HomeElections CodeDiv. 13Ch. 2§ 13101 Lost Ballots Replacement Election

§ 13101 Lost Ballots Replacement Election

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

§ 13101 Lost Ballots Replacement Election

This law says that if ballots for a precinct get lost or destroyed, the local election officer must tell the governor, and the governor can order a new election for that precinct if a candidate asks for it.

Key Takeaways

  • •If ballots are lost or destroyed, the precinct officer must report it to the governor.
  • •The governor can order a new election for that precinct when a candidate requests it.
  • •The rule does not apply to elections run at vote centers.

Example

A fire burns up the ballot box in Precinct 12 before the votes are counted.

The precinct inspector sends a sworn statement to the governor saying the ballots are gone. A candidate from that area asks for a redo, and the governor orders a new election just for Precinct 12.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 13101 Lost Ballots Replacement Election

(a) In the case of the prevention of an election in any precinct by the loss or destruction of the ballots intended for that precinct, the inspector or other precinct officer for that precinct shall make an affidavit setting forth the fact and transmit it to the Governor. Upon receipt of the affidavit, the Governor may, and upon the application of any candidate for any office to be voted for by the voters of that precinct the Governor shall, order a new election in that precinct. (b) This section does not apply to elections conducted using vote centers. (Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 806, Sec. 41. (SB 286) Effective January 1, 2018.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

prevention of an electionloss or destruction of the ballotsaffidavitGovernornew electionvote centers

Related Statutes

  • § 10222 Nomination Paper Affidavit Requirement
  • § 10720 Senate Vacancy Appointment Rules
  • § 11109 Signature Certification Process
  • § 12106 Polling Place Publication Rules
  • § 12107 Polling Place Publication Contracts

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 13101.
View Official Source