Article 4. Voting Procedure of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 22. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 4.

The provisions of this chapter, except as necessary to conduct the vote, shall not become operative until the director finds in a referendum conducted by him or her that not less than 40 percent of the handlers, as defined in Section 66532 and as determined in accordance with Section 66573, have participated and that either of the following occurs:
  (a) Sixty-five percent or more of the handlers voting marketed at least a majority of the total quantity of iceberg lettuce marketed in the preceding marketing season by all of the handlers who voted in the referendum and they voted in favor of this chapter.
  (b) A majority of the handlers voting marketed 65 percent or more of the total quantity of iceberg lettuce marketed in the preceding marketing season by all the handlers who voted in referendum and they voted in favor of this chapter.

The director shall establish a period in which to conduct such vote which shall not be less than 30 days nor more than 90 days from the date this section becomes operative, and may prescribe such additional procedure as may be necessary to conduct such vote.

Nonreceipt of a ballot shall not invalidate such vote.

If the director finds that a favorable vote has been given as provided in Section 66601, he shall so certify and announce to the commission and file notice thereof by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in each district in accordance with Section 6066 of the Government Code and shall mail a copy of such notice to all handlers whose names and addresses may be on file. All provisions of this chapter shall become operative upon completion of such publication but not before 15 days after such certification by the director to the commission.

If the director finds that a favorable vote has not been given under Section 66601, he or she shall so certify to the commission and shall declare this chapter inoperative.