§ 16601 Ballot Recount Procedures

Elections Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that at a trial, ballots must be opened and counted again in front of everyone when a recount is needed to figure out who won.

Key Takeaways

•A recount is done at a trial when the results are unclear.
•All parties must be present while the ballots are opened and counted.
•Every name on a ballot that needs to be counted is included in the recount.

Example

In a city council election the first count shows a very close result, and one candidate asks the court for a recount.

The court will have the ballots opened and counted a second time while all the candidates and their teams watch, and it will also count any extra names on the ballots that have to be included.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 16601 Ballot Recount Procedures

At the trial the ballots shall be opened and a recount taken, in the presence of all the parties, of the votes cast for the various candidates in all contests where it appears from the statements filed that a recount is necessary for the proper determination of the contest. The recount shall include a tabulation of all names written upon a ballot and which are subject to canvass pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 15350) of Division 15. (Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

recount ballots canvass Chapter 7 Division 15

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 16601.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References