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HomeElections CodeDiv. 15Ch. 3Art. 5§ 15277 Precinct Vote Tally Sheets

§ 15277 Precinct Vote Tally Sheets

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

§ 15277 Precinct Vote Tally Sheets

This law tells two precinct board members how to write down votes on a special sheet while counting ballots, and how to finish the sheet with the final totals.

Key Takeaways

  • •Two precinct board members must each keep a tally sheet.
  • •The sheet must list every candidate and every measure in the same order as on the ballot.
  • •They mark each vote with a tally as the name or measure is read aloud.
  • •When counting is done, they draw a heavy line, initial it, and write the total votes in words and numbers.

Example

In a small town election, two board members sit at a table with a tally sheet. As each ballot is read aloud, they draw a little mark next to each candidate’s name and each question on the ballot. When all ballots are read, they draw a thick line, sign it, and write the total votes in words and numbers.

The board members follow the rule by using the prescribed sheet, marking each vote as it’s called, and then recording the final counts the way the law says.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 15277 Precinct Vote Tally Sheets

(a) Two of the precinct board members shall each keep a tally sheet in a form prescribed by the elections official. Each tally sheet shall contain all of the following: (1) The name of each candidate being voted for and the specific office for which each candidate is being voted. The offices shall be in the same order as on the ballot. (2) A list of each measure being voted upon. (3) Sufficient space to permit the tallying of the full vote cast for each candidate and for and against each measure. (b) The precinct board members keeping the tally sheets shall record opposite each name or measure, with pen or indelible pencil, the number of votes by tallies as the name of each candidate or measure voted upon is read aloud from the respective ballot. (c) Immediately upon the completion of the tallies, the precinct board members keeping the tally shall draw two heavy lines in ink or indelible pencil from the last tally mark to the end of the line in which the tallies terminate and initial that line. The total number of votes counted for each candidate and for and against each measure shall be recorded on the tally sheets in words and figures. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 27. Effective January 1, 1999.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

precinct board memberstally sheetelections officialindelible pencilvotes by tallies

Related Statutes

  • § 12281 Polling Place Change Notice
  • § 12285 Mobilehome Polling Place Rules
  • § 12286 Precinct And Polling Setup
  • § 15272 Ballot Counting Transparency Rules
  • § 15273 Ballot Counting Squad Restrictions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 15277.
View Official Source