CaliforniaPaper + scan
Election framework scored across 6 methodologies, sourced to 5 primary instruments and 414 statute sections.
Most California counties use hand-marked paper ballots and optical scanners for in-person voters, with ballot marking devices for accessibility. A smaller number of counties use ballot marking devices for all in-person voters. Nearly all ballots are tabulated by batch-fed optical scanners.
Voting Channels
The voting channels available under current law, each verified against the cited statute.
- Election dayElection-day in personall
Polls open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. on election day.
Cal. Elec. Code § 14212
- EarlyEarly in personall-voters
In-person early voting at the elections office, and at vote centers in counties under the Voter's Choice Act.
Cal. Elec. Code § 4005; § 3018
- PostalPostal / mailno-excuse
Every active registered voter is mailed a ballot — California is an all-mail-ballot state; no excuse required.
Cal. Elec. Code Div. 3 (§ 3000 et seq.); § 3000.5
- ProxyProxynot available
No proxy voting.
- InternetInternetnot available
No internet voting; ballots returned by mail, drop box, or in person.
Methodology Radar
Dimension Breakdown
Primary Instruments
| Citation | Type | Title | Sections | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cal. Elec. Code Div 15 | Act | Cal. EC Div 15 | 132 | active |
| Cal. Elec. Code Div 16 | Act | Cal. EC Div 16 | 59 | active |
| Cal. Elec. Code Div 18 | Act | Cal. EC Div 18 | 108 | active |
| Cal. Elec. Code Div 19 | Act | Cal. EC Div 19 | 105 | active |
| Cal. Const. Art. II | Constitution | Cal. Const. Art. II | 10 | active |
Methodologies — Datapoint Drill-In
Each methodology card above takes you to California's scoring detail for that methodology — every datapoint, with rationale and the exact statute that justifies the score.