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HomeElections CodeDiv. 13Ch. 3Art. 1§ 13217 Ballot Numbering Requirements

§ 13217 Ballot Numbering Requirements

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

§ 13217 Ballot Numbering Requirements

This rule says every ballot must have the same number as its matching stub, and the numbers have to go in order. In primary elections each party’s ballots start counting at 1, and counties with vote centers can choose the numbering method that works best for them.

Key Takeaways

  • •Ballot numbers must match the numbers on their stubs.
  • •Numbers must be in a straight sequence (1, 2, 3…) within each county or district.
  • •In a partisan primary, each party’s ballots start at number 1.
  • •Counties with vote centers can pick the numbering style that makes counting easier and cheaper.

Example

During a Democratic primary in County X, the election office prints ballots and stubs. The first Democratic ballot gets number 1, the second gets number 2, and so on, and each stub has the same number as its ballot.

Because the law requires the numbers to match and to start at 1 for each party, the first Democratic ballot and stub are both labeled "1," the second pair are both "2," etc. This helps officials keep track of every vote.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 13217 Ballot Numbering Requirements

(a) The number on each ballot shall be the same as that on the corresponding stub, and the ballots and stubs shall be numbered consecutively in each county, or the ballots and stubs may be numbered consecutively within each combination of congressional, senatorial, and Assembly districts in each county. In a partisan primary election, the sequence of numbers on the official ballots and stubs for each party within each county, or within each political subdivision in each county, shall begin with the number 1. (b) In counties using vote centers, ballots may be serialized in the way that best promotes ballot accounting and with the greatest economic efficiency for the county. (Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 863, Sec. 21. (AB 623) Effective January 1, 2020.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

ballotsstubsnumbered consecutivelypartisan primary electionvote centersserialized

Related Statutes

  • § 13201 Party Ballot Distinction Rules
  • § 13202 Ballot Uniformity Requirements
  • § 13203 Ballot Format Requirements
  • § 13219 Ballot Binding Requirements
  • § 14202 Voter List Posting Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 13217.
View Official Source