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HomeElections CodeDiv. 10Pt. 6Ch. 1§ 10705 Majority Vote Election Rules

§ 10705 Majority Vote Election Rules

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

§ 10705 Majority Vote Election Rules

This law says that all candidates are put on one ballot, and if any candidate gets more than half of the votes, they win right away without another election. If only one person qualifies for a special election ballot, that person wins automatically, also without another election.

Key Takeaways

  • •All candidates appear on the same ballot.
  • •If any candidate receives a majority (more than 50%) of the votes, they are declared elected and no extra election is held.
  • •If only one candidate qualifies for a special election ballot, that candidate wins automatically, with no special election needed.

Example

Imagine a town is holding an election for mayor with three people running. One of them gets 55% of the votes.

Because that candidate got more than half of all the votes, the law says they are declared the winner and there is no need for a second or special election.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 10705 Majority Vote Election Rules

(a) All candidates shall be listed on one ballot and, except as provided in subdivision (b), if any candidate receives a majority of all votes cast, he or she shall be declared elected, and no special general election shall be held. (b) If only one candidate qualifies to have his or her name printed on the special general election ballot, that candidate shall be declared elected, and no special general election shall be held. (Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 1, Sec. 42. (SB 6) Effective January 1, 2010. Operative January 1, 2011, pursuant to Sec. 67 of Ch. 1.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

majority of all votes castspecial general electiondeclared elected

Related Statutes

  • § 10704 Special Primary Election Timing
  • § 10707 Special Election Ballot Order
  • § 1 Elections Code Title
  • § 10 Secretary Voter Registration Duties
  • § 10.5 Elections Cybersecurity And Misinformation

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 10705.
View Official Source