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CALIFORNIA's STATE LAWS REGARDING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS

Last reviewed: July 26, 2026. California Electoral College vote and elector rule information is summarized from the official and civic source links listed on this page. Confirm final elector rules and procedures with the listed official sources.

  • Electoral College Votes Count: 54
  • Alocation Type: winner-takes-all
  • Electors Must Pledge: yes

Elector Pledge and Electoral College Votes Allocation​

California is one of the 48 states that have a winner-takes-all rule for the Electoral College. In these States, whichever candidate receives a majority of the popular vote, or a plurality of the popular vote (less than 50 percent but more than any other candidate), takes all of the state’s Electoral votes.California is one of the states have passed laws that require their electors to vote as pledged. These laws may either impose a fine on an elector who fails to vote according to the statewide or district popular vote, or may disqualify an elector who violates his or her pledge and provide a replacement elector.

Election Code: Ca 7100, 7300

How Does California Select Its Electors?​

  • Presidential electors are designated by the political parties.On or before October 1 of the presidential election year, each party's nominee must file a list containing the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the 54 electors pledged to him/her. Each party determines its own method for selecting electors.Whenever a political party submits to the Secretary of State its certified list of nominees for electors of President and Vice President of the United States, the Secretary of State shall notify each candidate for elector of his or her nomination by the party.

When Do The Electors Vote?​

  • The electors chosen shall assemble at the State Capitol at 2 o'clock in the afternoon on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December next following their election. In case of the death or absence of any elector chosen, or if the number of electors is deficient for any other reason, the electors then present shall elect, from the citizens of the state, as many persons as will supply the deficiency.

The information provided on this page was validated using the following resources: