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HomeElections CodeDiv. 16Ch. 8Art. 1§ 16703 Election Contest Winner Declaration

§ 16703 Election Contest Winner Declaration

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

§ 16703 Election Contest Winner Declaration

This law says that if, during an election dispute, it's found that someone else received more legal votes than the defendant, the court must declare that other person the winner.

Key Takeaways

  • •If another person gets more legal votes, they win the election.
  • •The court must officially declare that person elected.
  • •This rule applies to any election contest brought before the court.

Example

A city council election ends with a tie in the vote count, and a court review shows that a different candidate actually received more valid votes.

The court will announce that the candidate with the most legal votes wins the seat, even if the original count showed someone else.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 16703 Election Contest Winner Declaration

If in any election contest it appears that another person than the defendant has the highest number of legal votes, the court shall declare that person elected. (Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

election contesthighest number of legal votescourt shall declare that person elected

Related Statutes

  • § 16700 Election Certificate Issuance
  • § 16701 Election Certificate Annulment
  • § 16702 Election Annulment Vacancy Rule
  • § 15550 Election Records Disposal
  • § 15551 Ballot Preservation In Contests

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 16703.
View Official Source