ARTICLE 2. Removal of County Seats [23680 - 23690]
( Article 2 added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 424. )
County seats may be removed and new locations selected as provided in this article.
(Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 424.)
A petition praying for the submission of the question of the removal of the county seat, signed by a majority of the qualified electors of any county, as determined by the number of votes cast at the preceding general election, may be presented to the board of supervisors. Upon the filing of such petition, the board shall, by due proclamation, submit the question of removal to the qualified electors of the county at the next general election.
(Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 424.)
Notice of the election shall be given, clearly stating the object.
(Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 424.)
The election shall be held and conducted, and the returns made in all respects as prescribed by law for elections of county officers.
(Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 424.)
Each elector shall vote for the place in the county which he prefers as the seat of justice, plainly designating it in his ballot.
(Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 424.)
The returns shall be received and compared, and the results ascertained by the board of supervisors. If two-thirds of the qualified voters of the county voting on the proposition vote in favor of removal, and in favor of any particular place, the board shall so declare on its minutes, and give notice of the result by posting notices thereof in all the election precincts of the county.
(Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 424.)
The notice shall declare the place selected to be the county seat of the county from a day specified, not more than 90 days after the election. After the day named the place chosen is the county seat.
(Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 424.)
The statement by the board of supervisors showing the result of the election shall be deposited in the office of the county elections official.
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 221, Sec. 30. Effective January 1, 2003.)
The board shall transmit a certified copy of the notice of the selection of a county seat to the Secretary of State.
(Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 424.)
Unless two-thirds of the votes are cast for some other place than that fixed by law as the former county seat, no second election for the removal of the county seat shall be held within four years.
(Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 424.)
When the county seat has been once removed by a popular vote of the county, it may be again removed from time to time, in the manner provided by this article. An election shall not be ordered to effect any subsequent removal, unless a petition praying for an election is signed by at least three-fourths of the qualified electors of the county, as determined by the votes cast at the next preceding general election.
(Added by Stats. 1947, Ch. 424.)