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HomeElections CodeDiv. 13Ch. 3Art. 1§ 13203 Ballot Format Requirements

§ 13203 Ballot Format Requirements

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

§ 13203 Ballot Format Requirements

This law tells exactly how the top of a voting ballot must look, like big bold words that say “Official Ballot” and other important details.

Key Takeaways

  • •The words “Official Ballot” must be at least 16‑point bold at the top.
  • •The election name must be at least 12‑point bold, and for a primary the party name or “Nonpartisan Ballot” must also appear.
  • •The date must be at least 12‑point type and the county name at least 8‑point type (or shown in the county seal/logo).
  • •Each ballot must include a style identifier that shows the congressional, Senate and Assembly districts.

Example

A voter gets a primary election ballot in Los Angeles County.

The ballot must show “Official Ballot” in big bold letters, then the name of the primary election, the party name (or “Nonpartisan Ballot”), the election date, the county name, and a code that tells which congressional, Senate and Assembly districts the ballot is for.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 13203 Ballot Format Requirements

At the top of the first page of the ballot shall be printed in at least 16-point bold type the words “Official Ballot.” Beneath this heading, the name of the election shall be printed in at least 12-point bold type and, in the case of a partisan primary election, the official party designation or the words “Nonpartisan Ballot” shall be printed, as applicable. After the heading line or lines, there shall be printed, in at least 12-point type, the date of the election and, in at least 8-point type, the name of the county in which the ballot is to be voted. The county name may alternatively be displayed in the county seal or logo. In addition, the ballot shall have printed, at the top or bottom of each card, a ballot style identifier or some other means of identifying the number of the congressional, Senate, and Assembly district. (Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 676, Sec. 17. (AB 1219) Effective January 1, 2024.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

Official Ballotpartisan primary electionNonpartisan Ballotballot style identifier

Related Statutes

  • § 13217 Ballot Numbering Requirements
  • § 11200 Local Officer Recall Rules
  • § 11201 Recall Officer Duties Transfer
  • § 12200 Jurisdictional Applicability Rules
  • § 13200 Ballot Printing Compliance

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 13203.
View Official Source