Cal. Elec. Code § 15370 : CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE — SEMIFINAL OFFICIAL CANVASS, OFFICIAL CANVASS, RECOUNT, AND TIE VOTE PROCEDURES — OFFICIAL CANVASS — BALLOT SECURITY AND REPORTING OF RESULTS — Opening of ballots after ballots counted and sealed TEXT PDF After ballots are counted and sealed, the elections official may not open any ballots nor permit any ballots to be opened except as permitted in Sections 15303 and 15304, or in the event of a recount. Ca. Elec. Code § 15370 Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 1073, Sec. 31. Effective January 1, 1999.