Frequently Asked Questions about Ballot Titles

Frequently Asked Questions about Ballot Titles By Chris Micheli

            What are ballot titles used for? According to California’s Elections Code, ballot titles are used for measures submitted to the voters.

Are there rules related to ballot titles in California law? Yes, these rules are found in Division 9, Chapter 1, Article 5.

What happens when it is determined that a measure will appear on the statewide ballot? Elections Code Section 9050 requires that, after the Secretary of State determines that a measure will appear on the ballot at the next statewide election, the Secretary of State must promptly transmit a copy of the measure to the Attorney General.

            What does the Attorney General do with the measure? The Attorney General is required to provide and return to the Secretary of State a ballot title and summary and ballot label for each measure submitted to the voters of the state by a date sufficient to meet the state voter information guide public display deadlines.

What is required of each measure? Elections Code Section 9053 requires each measure to be designated on the ballot by the ballot label certified to the Secretary of State by the Attorney General.

Are any translations required? Yes, Elections Code Section 9054 specifies that, whenever a city, county, or city and county is required the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 to provide a translation of ballot materials in a language other than English, the Secretary of State must provide a translation of the ballot title and summary and of the ballot label prepared in that language to the city, county, or city and county for each state measure submitted to the voters in a statewide election not later than 68 days before that election.

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