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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 1Ch. 3.5Art. 4§ 23558 Consolidation Argument Selection Rules

§ 23558 Consolidation Argument Selection Rules

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

§ 23558 Consolidation Argument Selection Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •If many people write arguments for or against combining two places (like cities or counties), the clerk picks just one 'for' and one 'against' to share with voters.
  • •The clerk picks arguments in this order: first from county leaders, then city leaders, then regular voters or groups.
  • •Only the chosen arguments get printed and sent out to help voters decide.

Example

Two towns want to merge into one. Ten people write why it’s a good idea, and eight write why it’s bad.

The clerk picks just one 'good idea' and one 'bad idea' to send to voters. They’ll pick from the town leaders first, then regular people if needed.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 23558 Consolidation Argument Selection Rules

If more than one argument for or more than one argument against the proposed consolidation is filed with the clerk of the principal county the clerk shall select one of the arguments for and one of the arguments against the proposed consolidation for printing and distribution to the electors. In selecting arguments, the clerk shall give preference and priority in the order specified to arguments submitted by the following: (a) The board of supervisors of an affected county, or any member or members of such board authorized by it. (b) The city council of any city located within an affected county, or any member or members of such council authorized by it. (c) Qualified electors or bona fide associations of citizens, or combinations of electors and associations. (Added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1391.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

consolidationargumentdistributionpreferencepriority

Related Statutes

  • § 23553 County Consolidation Election Notice
  • § 23559 County Consolidation Ballot Pamphlet
  • § 23273 Boundary Change Argument Selection
  • § 23555 County Consolidation Ballot Format
  • § 23561 Sample Ballot Exemption

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 23558.
View Official Source