(a) On each ballot a horizontal non-solid-ruled line shall extend across the top of the ballot below the horizontal perforated line. The same number appearing on the stub shall be printed above the horizontal, non-solid-ruled line on the left side of the ballot. Above this number shall be printed in parentheses in small type as follows: “(This number shall be torn off by a precinct board member and handed to the voter.)”. The words “I HAVE VOTED—HAVE YOU?” may also be printed immediately above or below the number.

(b) (1) Next to the ballot number there shall be a short vertical perforated rule or line extending upward from the horizontal non-solid-ruled line to the horizontal perforated line. Immediately above this horizontal non-solid-ruled line shall be printed in boldface lowercase type, at least 12-point in size, enclosed in parentheses, the following: “Fold ballot to this line leaving top margin exposed.”

(2) Above this printed direction and midway between it and the top edge of the ballot shall be printed in boldface uppercase type, at least 12-point in size, the following: “Mark the ballot with pen or pencil.”

(3) Below this direction and midway between it and the next line shall be printed in boldface uppercase type, at least 12-point in size, enclosed in parentheses and with the first four and last five words underlined or otherwise made prominent, the following: “(VOTE BY MAIL BALLOTS MAY BE MARKED WITH PEN AND INK OR PENCIL.)”

(c) A ballot stub is not required if the information listed in subdivisions (a) and (b) is presented to the voter on a separate form accompanying the ballot.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 863, Sec. 19. (AB 623) Effective January 1, 2020.)