(a) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the county elections official may direct a precinct board to seal the ballot container prior to the closing of the polls, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sections 14420 and 14421.

(2) Notwithstanding Section 14215, as soon as the container is sealed, the county elections official may direct at least two elections officials to remove the sealed ballot container of voted untallied ballots from the polling place and the presence of any bystanders and to deliver the container to a receiving center or central counting place as directed.

(3) At least 48 hours in advance of an election, the elections official shall notify the public of the dates, times, and places at which ballot containers will be delivered pursuant to this subdivision.

(b) Upon receipt of a container at a receiving center or central counting place pursuant to subdivision (a), the county elections official may process the voted untallied ballots, but shall not tally the ballots or release any results prior to the closing of the polls.

(c) The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations addressing the secure delivery and transfer of ballots to a receiving center or central counting place pursuant to this section.

(d) This section shall not be construed as relieving a precinct board of its responsibility to account for ballots pursuant to Section 14405.

(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 725, Sec. 4. (AB 363) Effective January 1, 2016.)