Election ballots: identical candidate names.

Existing law sets forth the procedures, requirements, and specifications relating to ballots used in all elections. Existing law authorizes a person who is a candidate for any office to file a statement with the county elections official attesting to his or her belief that some other person with a similar name that may be confused with his or her name has filed or will file a nomination paper for the same office and requesting that a number be printed with his or her name on the ballot as a distinguishing mark. Existing law sets forth the type and placement requirements with respect to the distinguishing mark. Existing law requires the elections official to place a warning that there are candidates for the same office with identical names on the ballot, any sample ballot, ballot pamphlet, or other mailing sent by the official. This bill would modify the text of the statement contained within the candidate's request for a distinguishing mark next to his or her name on the ballot. The bill would introduce revised numerical specifications and procedures for the assignment of the distinguishing mark. The bill would also require the elections official to conduct a drawing of the numbers assigned to the candidates in a similar manner as provided for by existing law to determine the order on the ballot for candidates with similar names. By imposing a new requirement on local officials, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.