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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 1Ch. 3.5Art. 4§ 23553 County Consolidation Election Notice

§ 23553 County Consolidation Election Notice

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

§ 23553 County Consolidation Election Notice

Key Takeaways

  • •The notice must clearly list what people are voting on, like which counties might join together.
  • •It must tell voters where and when to vote, including the exact places and date.
  • •It must explain how to vote and ask for written arguments for or against the idea.
  • •Only one 'yes' and one 'no' argument will be printed, and each must be under 500 words.

Example

Imagine two small towns, Sunnyville and Cloudtown, want to become one big town called SunCloud.

The notice must say exactly what the vote is about (merging Sunnyville and Cloudtown), where people can vote (like the town hall or school), and when the vote happens. It also asks people to send in short written reasons why they think it’s a good or bad idea. Only the best 'yes' and 'no' reasons will be printed for everyone to read before voting.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 23553 County Consolidation Election Notice

The notice of election shall: (a) State distinctly the propositions to be submitted. (b) State the names of the counties proposed to be consolidated. (c) State the date of the election. (d) Designate the election precincts and places at which the polls will be open as established by the board of each affected county. (e) Instruct the electors how to vote in the election. (f) Request the submission of written arguments for and written arguments against the proposed county consolidation. (g) A statement that the board of supervisors of an affected county or any member or members of such board authorized by the board, any city council or a city within an affected county or any member or members of such council authorized by the council, any qualified elector entitled to vote at the election, any bona fide association of citizens, or any combination of qualified electors and associations may submit and file written arguments with the clerk of the principal county for printing and distribution in the ballot pamphlet, not later than 54 days prior to the date of the election. (h) A statement that only one argument for and one argument against shall be selected and printed in the ballot. (i) A statement that arguments shall not exceed 500 words in length and shall be accompanied by at least one and not more than three signatures. (Added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1391.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

electionportconsolidationargumentstatementassociationcombinationdistribution

Related Statutes

  • § 23353 County Election Notice Requirements
  • § 23559 County Consolidation Ballot Pamphlet
  • § 23558 Consolidation Argument Selection Rules
  • § 23374.3 County Officer Election Notice
  • § 23501 County Consolidation Definitions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 23553.
View Official Source