What are the rules regarding the canvassing of votes?
In California, the canvassing of votes is the process of gathering, reviewing and certifying the results of an election. The rules for canvassing votes in California are laid out in the California Elections Code. Canvassing begins on the day after the election; this is when the first “unofficial” results of the election are reported. However, it takes several weeks for the official results to be certified. Over this time, local elections officials are counting and verifying provisional ballots as well as absentee ballots, and verifying signatures on ballots. The Secretary of State is responsible for certifying the results, which includes a review of the certified results from each county. The Secretary of State will then certify the overall results and declare which candidates won the election, as well as the propositions or initiatives. The county elections office is responsible for conducting the local canvasses, which include a review of each precinct and a review of the election roll, with the exception of any provisional ballots that are still being processed. Once this process is complete, the county will submit the final results to the Secretary of State. It is also the responsibility of each county to ensure compliance with all California election laws, and to ensure that all votes were properly counted and canvassed. Any discrepancy or irregularity in the counting, processing or reporting of ballots must be reported to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State may also investigate or order a county or local elections office to correct any errors or irregularities.
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