California · Elections Code

ELEC §16800: If the proceedings in a general election contest under this division are dismissed for insufficiency or for want of prosecution, or the election is confirmed by the court, judgment for costs shall be

What this law says, in plain English

In an election contest case, if proceedings are dismissed or the election is confirmed by the court, the court must enter judgment for costs.

Read the full statutory text
If the proceedings in a general election contest under this division are dismissed for insufficiency or for want of prosecution, or the election is confirmed by the court, judgment for costs shall be rendered against the contestant and in favor of the defendant. If the election is annulled or set aside on the ground of errors of a precinct board in conducting the election or in canvassing the returns, the costs shall be a charge against the county or city where the election was held. When the election is annulled or set aside on any other ground, judgment for costs shall be given in favor of contestant and against the defendant.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.