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HomeElections CodeDiv. 14Ch. 3Art. 2§ 14216 Voter Signature Requirements

§ 14216 Voter Signature Requirements

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

§ 14216 Voter Signature Requirements

This law says anyone who wants to vote must give their name and address, sign their name (or have someone else sign for them), and keep that signature on file for the required time.

Key Takeaways

  • •You must give your name and address before you can vote.
  • •You have to sign the list, or if you can’t, another voter can sign for you.
  • •The signature must be kept for the time the election rules say.
  • •Using computers or other tech to capture the signature is allowed.

Example

Maria goes to her local polling place, tells the officer her name and where she lives, and signs the voter list. Because she has a hand injury and can’t sign, the officer lets a friend on the list sign her name for her.

The law lets Maria vote as long as her name and address are recorded, her signature (or a proxy signature) is on the list, and the signature is saved for the election’s required period.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 14216 Voter Signature Requirements

(a) Any person desiring to vote shall state or provide his or her name and address and, upon the precinct officers finding the name in the roster, the voter shall then sign his or her name in the space provided or, if the voter is unable to sign, shall have his or her name signed by another person on the roster provided for that purpose, whereupon a challenge may be interposed as provided in this article. (b) The signature shall be capable of being retained for the prescribed retention period for the election being conducted. (c) This section does not prohibit the use of technology to capture the signature prescribed by subdivision (a). (Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 806, Sec. 54. (SB 286) Effective January 1, 2018.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

votename and addressrostersignaturechallengeretention periodtechnology

Related Statutes

  • § 14218 Voter Name Change Procedure
  • § 14223 Voter Roster Access Rules
  • § 14243 Voter Identity Challenge Oath
  • § 14246 Voter Identity Challenge Resolution
  • § 11220 Recall Petition Filing Deadlines

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 14216.
View Official Source