(a) The ballots used when voting upon a measure proposed by a local governing body or submitted to the voters as an initiative or referendum measure pursuant to Division 9 (commencing with Section 9000), including a measure authorizing the issuance of bonds or the incurrence of debt, shall have printed on them the words “Shall the measure (stating the nature thereof) be adopted?” Opposite the statement of the measure to be voted on, and to its right, the words “Yes” and “No” shall be printed on separate lines, with voting squares. If a voter stamps a cross (+) in the voting square after the printed word “Yes,” his or her vote shall be counted in favor of the adoption of the measure. If he or she stamps a cross (+) in the voting square after the printed word “No,” his or her vote shall be counted against its adoption.
(b) If the proposed measure imposes a tax or raises the rate of a tax, the ballot shall include in the statement of the measure to be voted on the amount of money to be raised annually and the rate and duration of the tax to be levied.
(c) The statement of the measure shall be a true and impartial synopsis of the purpose of the proposed measure, and shall be in language that is neither argumentative nor likely to create prejudice for or against the measure.
(d) For purposes of this section, “local governing body” means the governing body of a city, county, city and county, including a charter city or charter county, or district, including a school district.
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 105, Sec. 1. (AB 195) Effective January 1, 2018.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018