Title
Adoption of Resolution Adopting Regulations for Candidates for Elective Office Pertaining to Candidate Statements Submitted to the Voters at an Election and Rescinding Resolution No. 12795; and
Recommendation to Provide Direction on Election Reform Issues. (City Clerk 10022020)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Prior to the upcoming general municipal election on November 5, 2024, City Council is being provided with an opportunity to revise candidate statement regulations, including the associated fee. In addition, City Council is being provided with an opportunity to discuss other election reform issues.
BACKGROUND
Adopted on July 2, 1996, Resolution No. 12795 implemented regulations for submitting candidate statements to the voters and required candidates to pay the actual cost for printing and handling statements with a $100 deposit due at the time of filing. On May 5, 2020, a Charter Review City Council subcommittee, formed by Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft and consisting of Councilmembers Daysog and Knox White, presented a report addressing potential amendments to the City Charter (Exhibit 1). Following this report, three Charter amendment measures were placed on the ballot. Charter amendment measures related to the City Prosecutor and the repeal of Article 26 were both on the November 2020 ballot and a measure addressing City Council salaries was on the November 2022 ballot.
During 2023, several election reform issues were raised:
1. On January 3, 2023, City Council approved a referral (Exhibit 2) directing upfront payment of the fee if a candidate has a balance due from a candidate statement submitted at a prior election;
2. The July 17, 2023, City Council agenda included a referral submitted by Vice Mayor Daysog proposing to increase the size of the City Council;
3. On July 31, 2023, a notice of intent to circulate an initiative petition was filed proposing to add Rank...
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