§ 16600 Election Contest Court Powers

Elections Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says the court can meet to decide a disputed election and can pause or extend the trial up to 20 days if needed.

Key Takeaways

•The court handles contested elections.
•It can adjourn daily and extend the trial up to 20 days for good cause.
•The party requesting the extension pays the cost.

Example

A local city council election is being challenged, and the court needs to hold hearings to decide who won.

The court can schedule hearings, pause the trial each day, and if a party shows good reason, they can ask for a short delay of up to 20 days, paying the cost themselves.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 16600 Election Contest Court Powers

The court shall meet at the time and place designated, to determine the contested election, and shall have all the powers necessary to the determination thereof. It may adjourn from day to day until the trial is ended, and may also continue the trial before its commencement for any time not exceeding 20 days for good cause shown by any party upon affidavit, at the costs of the party applying for the continuance. (Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

contested election adjourn good cause affidavit

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 16600.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References