This alphabet applies throughout the entire name of the candidate. If the names of two or more candidates begin with the same letter, their order is determined by applying this randomized alphabet to the next letters of the name. For example, if two candidates with the surnames Campbell and Carlson are running for the same office, their order on the ballot will depend on the order in which the letters M and R were drawn in the randomized alphabet drawing.

Names of candidates for offices voted on statewide rotate by Assembly District starting with Assembly District 1. Congressional candidates rotate within their districts with the lowest numbered Assembly District leading in the rotation. State Senate and Assembly candidates follow the random alphabet, but do not rotate. In legislative districts that encompass more than county, the county election officials will conduct their own randomized alphabet to determine candidate order in those districts.

The random alphabet technique was established by legislation in 1975 in response to court rulings declaring incumbent first or standard alphabetical order unconstitutional.

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