The files of the State Commission on Voting Machines and Vote Tabulating Devices span 1947 to 1986, with the bulk of the material falling within 1960 and 1980. Records of the Voting Systems and Procedures Panel (1983-1986) which was formed after the Commission was abolished, are also included. The files are subdivided into Administrative Files, Engineering Consultants Files, and Approved Systems and Equipment Files.

The State Commission on Voting Machines and Vote Tabulating Devices was formed to examine any machine proposed for use in California elections. No machine could be used prior to receiving approval from the Commission whose membership consisted of the Governor, the Secretary of State and the Attorney General. Voting machines, voting devices and vote tabulating devices were judged for their accuracy, efficiency, safeguards against fraud or manipulation, and capability to preserve secrecy of ballot.

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