California Code, Government Code - GOV § 23553

(a) State distinctly the propositions to be submitted.

(b) State the names of the counties proposed to be consolidated.

(c) State the date of the election.

(d) Designate the election precincts and places at which the polls will be open as established by the board of each affected county.

(e) Instruct the electors how to vote in the election.

(f) Request the submission of written arguments for and written arguments against the proposed county consolidation.

(g) A statement that the board of supervisors of an affected county or any member or members of such board authorized by the board, any city council or a city within an affected county or any member or members of such council authorized by the council, any qualified elector entitled to vote at the election, any bona fide association of citizens, or any combination of qualified electors and associations may submit and file written arguments with the clerk of the principal county for printing and distribution in the ballot pamphlet, not later than 54 days prior to the date of the election.

(h) A statement that only one argument for and one argument against shall be selected and printed in the ballot.

(i) A statement that arguments shall not exceed 500 words in length and shall be accompanied by at least one and not more than three signatures.