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Determining the Order of Names on the Ballot


Have you ever wondered why and how the names of candidates get jumbled up out of alphabetical order on your ballot? The why is California Elections Code, Section 13112, which states "
The Secretary of State shall conduct a drawing of the letters of the alphabet, the result of which shall be known as a randomized alphabet." The how is documented in the Press Release below:


Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.
California Secretary of State

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 15, 2024

Contact: SOS Press Office

sospress@sos.ca.gov

 

Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Announces Results of Randomized Alphabet Drawing for the November 5, 2024, General Election


Sacramento, Calif. – The California Secretary of State held a randomized alphabet drawing today to determine the order that candidates’ names will appear on the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot.


The results of today’s drawing are as follows:


1. I

2. F

3. L

4. T

5. D

6. E

7. H

8. Q

9. M

10. J

11. G

12. A

13. Y

14. R

15. P

16. C

17. B

18. V

19. X

20. K

21. U

22. N

23. O

24. W

25. S

26. Z


This alphabet applies throughout the candidate's name, last name first, followed, if necessary, by first name, then middle name. If more than one candidate's last name begins with the same letter, the alphabet applies to the second letter and, if needed, the third, etc., until different letters appear in the same position. For example, if two candidates with the last names Campbell and Carlson are running for the same office, their order on the ballot will depend on the order in which the letters "M" and "R" were drawn in the randomized alphabet drawing.


Today’s randomized alphabet drawing was held in the Elections Division of the Secretary of State’s office in compliance with Elections Code section 13112. Staff pulled the letters in a lottery-style drawing, with witnesses from the press observing virtually.


For more information on upcoming 2024 General Election, click here: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-nov-5-2024

 



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