§ 13233. — 13233. (Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 676, Sec. 34.)

In a municipal election, if the number of candidates for an office is such that all of the names will not fit in one column of reasonable length, a double column may be used, and all of the following provisions shall apply:
(a)
The space between the two halves of the double column shall be less than that between the double column and any other columns on the ballot, and the lines separating the columns and the two halves of the double column shall be printed so as to emphasize the fact that the candidates in the double column are running for the same office.
(b)
The designation of the office and any other
words required to be at the top of the contest shall be printed across the top of the entire double column with no dividing line. The words “Vote for one,” “Vote for two,” or more, as the case may be, shall be centered over the entire double column and shall be printed below any other words at the top of the double column.
(c)
The names of the candidates, including the blank space or spaces necessary to permit the voter to write in the names of persons not printed on the ballot, shall be apportioned as equally as possible between the two columns. The odd space, if any, shall be included in the left-hand column.
(d)
The double column shall be used for no more than one office and for no more than one term for any office.
(e)
The order of names and blank spaces in the double column shall be the same as would apply to a single column with the left-hand side of the double column taken first.

Legislative History

Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 676, Sec. 34. (AB 1219) Effective January 1, 2024.