Closing of the polls.

Existing law requires a precinct board to account for ballots at the closing of the polls. This bill would authorize a county elections official to account for ballots at the central counting place. Existing law prescribes the procedures for a precinct board to follow as soon as the polls close, including removing the voted ballots from the ballot container, sealing the ballots, and delivering the ballots to the receiving centers or central counting places. This bill would authorize a county elections official to direct the precinct board to seal the ballots and to record certain information prior to the closing of the polls. The bill would also authorize the county elections official to direct other elections officials to remove the sealed ballots prior to the closing of the polls and to deliver them to a receiving center or central counting place. The bill would require the county elections official, at least 48 hours before an election, to notify the public of the dates, times, and places to which ballot containers will be delivered. The bill would also require the Secretary of State to adopt regulations addressing the secure delivery and transfer of ballots to a receiving center or central counting place.