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HomeElections CodeDiv. 17Ch. 6§ 17502 Federal Election Record Retention

§ 17502 Federal Election Record Retention

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

§ 17502 Federal Election Record Retention

This law says that for elections for President, Vice President, U.S. Senator, or U.S. Representative, the election official has to keep certain paperwork about precinct officers for 22 months after the election.

Key Takeaways

  • •Only elections for President, Vice President, U.S. Senator, or U.S. Representative are covered.
  • •The election official must keep a list of specific precinct‑board records.
  • •Those records have to be saved for 22 months after the election date.

Example

After the 2024 presidential election, the county election office saves all the forms that show who was named to each precinct board and which schools were used as polling places.

The law requires the office to hold onto those forms for almost two years, so anyone can look them up later if needed.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 17502 Federal Election Record Retention

(a) The following provisions shall apply to those elections where candidates for one or more of the following offices are voted upon: President, Vice President, United States Senator, and United States Representative. (b) The elections official shall preserve the following records reflecting the appointment of precinct officials until 22 months from the date of any election. (1) Precinct officers’ declaration of intention required by Section 12321. (2) Precinct board member applications specified in Section 12300. (3) Order appointing members of the several precinct boards and designating the polling places specified in Section 12286. (4) Nominations for appointment to the precinct board by the county central committee of each qualified political party specified in Section 12306. (5) Written orders appointing precinct board members or designating the polling place for the precinct pursuant to Section 12327. (Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 810, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 2004.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

elections officialprecinct officials22 monthsPresidentVice PresidentUnited States SenatorUnited States Representative

Related Statutes

  • § 17506 New Resident Voter Records
  • § 17503 Election Precinct Records Retention
  • § 18544 Polling Place Firearm Ban
  • § 17301 Federal Election Ballot Retention
  • § 17303 Federal Election Record Retention

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 17502.
View Official Source