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.

(Enacted by Stats. 1994, Ch. 920, Sec. 2.)

Terms Used In California Elections Code 16800

  • contestant: means any person initiating an election contest. See California Elections Code 16002
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Defendant: means that person whose election or nomination is contested or those persons receiving an equal and highest number of votes, other than the contestant, where, in other than primary elections, the body canvassing the returns declares that no one person has received the highest number of votes for the contested office. See California Elections Code 16002
  • Election: means any election including a primary that is provided for under this code. See California Elections Code 318
  • Precinct: means a geographical area within a county that is made up of voters and is formed pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12200) of Division 12. See California Elections Code 338.6