{"code":"ELEC","codeName":"Elections Code","section":"18562.5","citation":"Elec. Code, § 18562.5","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"DIVISION 18. PENAL PROVISIONS [18000. - 18700.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/elections-code/division-18"},{"name":"CHAPTER 6. Corruption of the Voting Process [18500. - 18582.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/elections-code/division-18/chapter-6"},{"name":"ARTICLE 4. Corruption of Voting [18560. - 18578.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/elections-code/division-18/chapter-6/article-4"}],"history":"Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 94, Sec. 1.   (AB 269)   Effective January 1, 2010.","effective":"2010-01-01","html":"<p>(a) A member of the public is guilty of a misdemeanor if, while observing any of the following, he or she willfully engages in any conduct set forth in subdivision (b):</p><p>(1) The processing of vote by mail ballots conducted pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section <a href=\"/elec/15100\">15100</a>) of Division 15.</p><p>(2) The semifinal official canvass conducted pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section <a href=\"/elec/15150\">15150</a>) of Division 15.</p><p>(3) The official canvass conducted pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section <a href=\"/elec/15300\">15300</a>) of Division 15.</p><p>(4) A recount conducted pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section <a href=\"/elec/15600\">15600</a>) of Division 15.</p><p>(b) (1) Attempting to ascertain the identity and ballot choices of a voter, or having observed or learned the identity of a voter, attempting to ascertain the ballot choices of that voter.</p><p>(2) Opening a provisional or vote by mail ballot envelope containing a voted ballot in order to ascertain the voter’s ballot choices.</p><p>(3) Making or placing a mark or device on a ballot or secrecy envelope in an attempt to ascertain the voter’s ballot choices.</p>","text":"(a) A member of the public is guilty of a misdemeanor if, while observing any of the following, he or she willfully engages in any conduct set forth in subdivision (b): (1) The processing of vote by mail ballots conducted pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 15100) of Division 15. (2) The semifinal official canvass conducted pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 15150) of Division 15. (3) The official canvass conducted pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 15300) of Division 15. (4) A recount conducted pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 15600) of Division 15. (b) (1) Attempting to ascertain the identity and ballot choices of a voter, or having observed or learned the identity of a voter, attempting to ascertain the ballot choices of that voter. (2) Opening a provisional or vote by mail ballot envelope containing a voted ballot in order to ascertain the voter’s ballot choices. (3) Making or placing a mark or device on a ballot or secrecy envelope in an attempt to ascertain the voter’s ballot choices.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/elections-code/corruption-of-voting-18562-5","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}