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HomeElections CodeDiv. 14Ch. 3Art. 4§ 14299 Emergency Ballot Shortage Procedures

§ 14299 Emergency Ballot Shortage Procedures

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

§ 14299 Emergency Ballot Shortage Procedures

This law makes sure every voter gets a ballot, even if a polling place runs out. If they run out, they must get more ballots within two hours and let people vote another way while waiting.

Key Takeaways

  • •If a polling place runs out of ballots, they must get more within two hours.
  • •While waiting, you can vote using a backup method they already have ready.
  • •The backup voting method must be approved by the state ahead of time.

Example

On election day, your local polling place runs out of ballots before you get there.

The polling place must get more ballots within two hours. While you wait, they have to let you vote using another method they already set up, like a backup paper ballot.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 14299 Emergency Ballot Shortage Procedures

(a) If a precinct board is unable to furnish a ballot to a qualified voter because there is an insufficient number of ballots at the precinct, the elections official shall deliver to the precinct additional ballots to ensure that all eligible voters can cast their ballots within two hours. (b) While awaiting the delivery of additional ballots, the precinct board shall provide each voter with the option of casting his or her vote immediately using an alternative procedure established prior to the election or waiting for the delivery of the additional ballots. (c) The alternative procedure required by this section shall be subject to approval by the Secretary of State. The elections official shall submit the alternative procedure to the Secretary of State for approval by a date to be determined by the Secretary of State. (Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 501, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

precinct boardadditional ballotsalternative procedureSecretary of State

Related Statutes

  • § 14271 Voter Booth Entry Rules
  • § 14272 Voter Booth Instruction Requirements
  • § 14273 Ballot Marking Device Handling
  • § 14275 Voter Ballot Secrecy Procedure
  • § 14278 Voter Ballot Distribution Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 14299.
View Official Source