(a) The elections official conducting local, special, or consolidated elections, or statewide elections other than the direct primary, presidential primary, or general election, for the purpose of the election, may divide the territory within which the election is to be held into special election or consolidated election precincts by consolidating existing precincts, or otherwise, subject to Section 12222, and may change and alter the precincts for those elections as often as occasion requires. Not more than six existing precincts may be consolidated into one special election or consolidated election precinct. The polling place used for a consolidated precinct shall be located within the boundaries of the consolidated precinct.
(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2005.
(Repealed (in Sec. 4) and added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 904, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2002. Section operative January 1, 2005, by its own provisions.)