Elections: official canvass.

Senator Choi's proposal to accelerate California's election result reporting process would reduce the timeline for counties to complete their official canvass from 30 to 10 days after an election. The legislation, co-authored by Senators Alvarado-Gil and Grove, also requires county election officials to transmit results to the Secretary of State within 11 days, down from the current 31-day deadline.

The bill establishes new digital transparency requirements, mandating that certified election results be posted online in downloadable spreadsheet formats and maintained for 10 years. This provision applies to county election offices with existing computer systems capable of producing such formats without modifications. The Secretary of State would have two days after receiving all county data to certify and publish statewide results, compared to the current 38-day window.

Under the proposed changes, the Secretary of State would retain authority to compile results for statewide offices, legislative positions, and ballot measures while gaining explicit permission to gather local election data, including county, city, and school district races. The bill acknowledges potential costs to local agencies through state mandate provisions, allowing for reimbursement if the Commission on State Mandates determines the new requirements impose additional expenses on counties.