§ 14296 Unused Ballot Return Requirement

Elections Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says if you get a ballot but don't use it, you must give it back before leaving the voting place. They will cancel it so it can't be used.

Key Takeaways

•If you don't vote, you must return your ballot.
•The worker will cancel it so it can't be used later.
•This keeps voting fair and stops extra ballots from being used.

Example

You go to vote but decide not to fill out your ballot.

You have to give the blank ballot back to the worker before you leave. They will mark it as canceled so no one else can use it.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 14296 Unused Ballot Return Requirement

Any voter who does not vote the ballot he or she has received, shall, before leaving the polling place, return it to the board member having charge of the ballots, who shall immediately cancel it. All canceled ballots shall be returned to the ballot clerk in the same manner as spoiled ballots. (Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

voter ballot cancel spoiled ballots ballot clerk

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 14296.

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References