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HomeElections CodeDiv. 15Ch. 3Art. 2§ 15201 Ballot Container Handling Procedures

§ 15201 Ballot Container Handling Procedures

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

§ 15201 Ballot Container Handling Procedures

After the polls close, the local election board must seal and label the ballot box, sign off on the packages, and have at least two board members take it to the central counting place.

Key Takeaways

  • •Seal the ballot container and put the precinct (or vote center) number on it right after polls close.
  • •Sign and seal all ballot packages as the elections official directs.
  • •At least two board members must personally deliver the sealed container to the central counting place and keep it safe until they hand it over.
  • •The same steps apply when ballots are counted by hand.

Example

On election night, the three members of a precinct board gather in public, lock the ballot box, put the precinct number on it, sign the paperwork, and two of them drive the box to the county’s counting center.

The board follows the law by sealing the container, labeling it with the precinct number, signing the packages, and making sure at least two members deliver it, keeping the box safe until the counting official receives it.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 15201 Ballot Container Handling Procedures

(a) As soon as the polls are closed, the precinct board shall, in the presence of the public do all of the following: (1) Seal the container used to transport voted ballots and insure that the precinct number, or in an election conducted using a voter center, the vote center number, is designated on the ballot container. (2) Certify, sign, and seal the several packages or envelopes as directed by the elections official. (3) By not less than two of their number, deliver the ballot container and packages to the elections official at the central counting place in the manner prescribed by the elections official. The ballot container and packages shall remain in their exclusive possession until delivered to the elections official. (b) This section also applies to ballots counted manually pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 15290). (Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 806, Sec. 72. (SB 286) Effective January 1, 2018.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

precinct boardballot containerelections officialvote center

Related Statutes

  • § 14215 Ballot Container Handling Rules
  • § 14225 Ballot Slip Removal Requirement
  • § 11222 Petition Filing Requirements
  • § 11223 Recall Petition County Certification
  • § 11224 Petition Signature Verification

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 15201.
View Official Source