§ 15654 Tie Vote Resolution

Elections Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

If two or more people get the same highest number of votes for Governor or Lieutenant Governor, the state Legislature picks one of them by a joint vote.

Key Takeaways

•A tie for the top vote count triggers a legislative decision, not a new election.
•The rule applies to both the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor races.
•Both houses of the Legislature must vote together to pick the winner.

Example

Two candidates each receive 1,000,000 votes for Governor, so there is a tie.

Because the vote totals are equal, the Legislature (both the House and Senate together) will hold a joint vote and choose which candidate becomes Governor.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 15654 Tie Vote Resolution

In case any two or more persons have an equal and highest number of votes for either Governor or Lieutenant Governor, the Legislature shall, by a joint vote of both houses, choose one of the persons to fill the office. (Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

equal and highest number of votes joint vote of both houses

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 15654.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References