Within 20 days after the filing of the petition, the county elections official shall examine it and ascertain from the record of the registration of the voters of the county whether the petition is signed by the requisite number. If needed by the county elections official, the board of supervisors shall authorize him or her to employ persons to assist him or her in the work of examining the petition, and the board shall provide for their compensation.
Ca. Elec. Code § 8224