§ 13002 Ballot Security Features

Elections Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that any ballot paper or ballot card used in a California election must have a colored tint and a clear watermark or printed design that the Secretary of State provides.

Key Takeaways

•Ballots must be tinted and have a watermark or overprint.
•The design comes from the Secretary of State.
•The watermark or overprint has to be easy to see.

Example

A city is preparing ballots for the November mayoral election.

The city must add a light color tint and a visible design (like a logo) on each ballot that the Secretary of State gave them, so voters and officials can easily see the special mark.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 13002 Ballot Security Features

Ballot paper and ballot cards used by a jurisdiction holding an election pursuant to the laws of California shall be tinted and watermarked or overprinted with a design, to be furnished by the Secretary of State, so that the watermark or overprint is plainly discernible. (Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 333, Sec. 1. (SB 1404) Effective January 1, 2011.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

ballot paper ballot cards watermarked overprinted Secretary of State

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 13002.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References