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HomeElections CodeDiv. 19Ch. 3Art. 1§ 19203 Voting System Paper Requirements

§ 19203 Voting System Paper Requirements

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

§ 19203 Voting System Paper Requirements

This law says the Secretary of State can’t approve any voting machine that uses paper ballots unless the paper stays strong and readable for the whole time the ballots have to be kept.

Key Takeaways

  • •Paper used for ballots must stay intact and readable for the entire retention period.
  • •The Secretary of State is the one who decides if a voting system meets this paper‑quality rule.
  • •If the paper doesn’t meet the standard, the system can’t be certified or conditionally approved.

Example

A county wants to use a new voting machine that prints ballots on thin, cheap paper that might tear or fade after a few weeks.

Because the paper might not stay readable for the required storage time, the Secretary of State must reject the machine under this law.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 19203 Voting System Paper Requirements

The Secretary of State shall not certify or conditionally approve a voting system or a part of a voting system that uses paper ballots unless the paper used for the ballots is of sufficient quality that it maintains its integrity and readability throughout the retention period specified in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 17300) of Division 17. (Added by renumbering Section 19216 by Stats. 2013, Ch. 602, Sec. 31. (SB 360) Effective January 1, 2014.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

Secretary of Statecertifyconditionally approvevoting systempaper ballotsintegrityreadabilityretention period

Related Statutes

  • § 19204 Voter Ballot Copy Prohibition
  • § 19200 Voting System Approval Requirements
  • § 19201 Voting System Conditional Approval
  • § 19202 Voting System Certification Requirements
  • § 19206 Ballot System Consistency Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 19203.
View Official Source