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HomeElections CodeDiv. 19Ch. 3Art. 1§ 19216 Voting System Modification Rules

§ 19216 Voting System Modification Rules

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

§ 19216 Voting System Modification Rules

This law says you can't change a voting machine or any part of it after it’s been approved until the Secretary of State is told about the change and says it won’t mess up the vote.

Key Takeaways

  • •Do not change a certified voting system without first notifying the Secretary of State in writing.
  • •The Secretary must approve the change, confirming it won’t reduce accuracy or efficiency.
  • •The Secretary can set rules about how these approvals are decided.

Example

A county election office wants to install a new software update on its voting machines before an election.

They have to send a written notice to the Secretary of State, wait for the Secretary to decide the update won’t hurt the machines' accuracy or speed, and only then can they install it.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 19216 Voting System Modification Rules

If a voting system or a part of a voting system has been certified or conditionally approved by the Secretary of State, it shall not be changed or modified until the Secretary of State has been notified in writing and has determined that the change or modification does not impair its accuracy and efficiency sufficient to require a reexamination and recertification, or conditional approval, pursuant to this article. The Secretary of State may adopt rules and regulations governing the procedures to be followed in making his or her determination as to whether the change or modification impairs accuracy or efficiency. (Added by renumbering Section 19213 by Stats. 2013, Ch. 602, Sec. 27. (SB 360) Effective January 1, 2014.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

certifiedconditionally approvedvoting systemSecretary of Stateaccuracy and efficiency

Related Statutes

  • § 19215 Voting System Defect Reporting
  • § 19200 Voting System Approval Requirements
  • § 19201 Voting System Conditional Approval
  • § 19202 Voting System Certification Requirements
  • § 19203 Voting System Paper Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 19216.
View Official Source