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HomeElections CodeDiv. 14Ch. 3Art. 4§ 14291 Voter Ballot Secrecy Rules

§ 14291 Voter Ballot Secrecy Rules

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

§ 14291 Voter Ballot Secrecy Rules

This law says you can't let anyone see your marked ballot, unless you choose to tell them yourself and it doesn't break any other law.

Key Takeaways

  • •You must keep your marked ballot private.
  • •You can voluntarily tell someone how you voted, but only if that act doesn't break another law.
  • •Showing the actual ballot to anyone is prohibited.

Example

After voting, Jane shows her completed ballot to her brother on the bus so he can see who she voted for.

Jane is not allowed to show the ballot because the law says you can't reveal its contents to anyone. If she had simply told her brother, "I voted for Candidate X," that would be okay as long as it doesn't break any other rule.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 14291 Voter Ballot Secrecy Rules

(a) After the ballot is marked, a voter shall not show it to any person in a manner that reveals its contents, except as provided in subdivision (b). (b) A voter may voluntarily disclose how he or she voted if that voluntary act does not violate any other law. (Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 813, Sec. 2. (AB 1494) Effective January 1, 2017.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

ballotvotervoluntarily disclose

Related Statutes

  • § 14295 Voter Ballot Delivery Restriction
  • § 14296 Unused Ballot Return Requirement
  • § 14272 Voter Booth Instruction Requirements
  • § 14279 Voting At Correct Precinct
  • § 14280 Ballot Distribution Restrictions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 14291.
View Official Source