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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 4800 CITY OF PALO ALTO OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK May 19, 2014 The Honorable City Council Palo Alto, California General Municipal Election on November 4, 2014 Informational Report Regarding Fees and Length of Candidate Statements RECOMMENDATIONS This is an informational report. The City Clerk is required to bring to your attention various options regarding fees and length of candidates' statements. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. Filing Fee Pursuant to Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.40.030, Filing of nomination petitions, "Any person otherwise qualified may be a candidate for an elective office at any election, regular or special, by filing with the clerk within the time prescribed in the Elections Code of California a petition signed by at least twenty -five qualified and registered voters. Any duly established candidacy filing fee shall be waived for each candidate who files a petition signed by at least four qualified or registered voters for each dollar of such filing fee." Palo Alto charges a fee of $25 for filing nomination papers. If a candidate wishes to waive the filing fee, the nomination petition would require 100 qualified registered voters' signatures. 2. Charges for Candidates' Statements California Elections Code Section 13307 provides that before the General Municipal Election nomination period opens, the City Council shall determine whether a charge is to be levied for printing and mailing candidates' statements in the sample ballot. The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters has indicated that for this November General Municipal Election, the cost for a candidates' statement of 200 words is estimated to be $2,084. California Elections Code Section 13307 also permits the City Council to increase the number of words allowed in a candidate's statement Page 2 from 200 to 400. The estimated cost for the candidate statement would then increase to $3,048. FISCAL IMPACT As in past practice, unless a Council Member agendizes any of these items by June 9, 2014, the City Clerk's Office will charge no fee for candidates' statements of up to 200 words for the 2014 General Municipal Election and the City will absorb the cost. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT None. ATTACHMENTS:  2014CAL_GEN (DOC)  2014CAL_S_NOV (DOCX) Department Head: Donna Grider, City Clerk Page 3 June 2014 CITY OF PALO ALTO GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION CALENDAR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 OFFICES TO BE VOTED ON: Five Council Offices for Full Terms (4 Years) (Holman, Klein (Termed out), Price, Scharff, Shepherd) This election calendar has been prepared by the City Clerk to assist persons interested in the 2014 General Municipal Election. It is not intended to be a complete statement of the law governing elections. Those participating in campaigns should be advised that the law on elections is legion and is primarily located in the California Elections Code. Candidates and committees supporting candidates or measures in the City of Palo Alto must also comply with Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Chapter 2.40. Of special importance is PAMC Section 2.40.040 which requires the City Clerk to post online the names of the contributors of $50 or more, if known. State law requires disclosure of contributions of $100 or more. To facilitate the disclosure process, contributions of $50 or more may be shown on the State campaign statements and will thus satisfy both the municipal as well as State law disclosure regulations. Statements which do not disclose contributors and contributions of $50 or more will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted for filing. Anonymous contributions totaling $50 or more in a calendar year are not permitted. Anonymous contributions between $50 and $100 shall be deposited with the City Clerk and shall not be kept by the candidate (PAMC Section 2.40.050). Anonymous contributions over $100 shall be paid to the Secretary of State for deposit in the General Fund of the State (GC 84304). 2014 General Municipal Election 1 Monday, June 2 RESOLUTION REQUESTING SERVICES OF REGISTRAR OF VOTERS Council adopts resolution calling election and requesting services of County Registrar of Voters. (Elections Code 10002 and 10403) Friday, June 13 PUBLISH RESOLUTION CALLING ELECTION Friday, July 11 NOTICE OF ELECTION City Clerk to publish once, a notice of General Municipal Election, not earlier than the 127th nor later than the 113th day prior to election. (Elections Code 12101 and Government Code 6061) Wednesday, July 9 RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR NOMINEES A candidate must have resided in Palo Alto at least 30 days preceding the final filing date (August 8) for nomination papers. (City Charter, Article III, Section 2) Monday, July 14 through Friday, August 8 at 5:00 p.m. NOMINATION PAPERS - FIRST AND LAST FILING DATES Voters may nominate candidates for this consolidated General Municipal Election by signing a nomination paper not earlier than the 113th day, nor later than 5:00 p.m. on the 88th day before a municipal election. Forms must be secured from the City Clerk, and must be signed by at least 25 registered Palo Alto voters (PAMC 2.40.030). Any registered voter who is also a candidate may obtain signatures and sign his/her own nomination papers. Last day to file nominations with the City Clerk is 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 8. Candidates may withdraw their nomination papers up until 5:00 p.m. on August 8 (the 88th day before the election). (Elections Code 10220 et seq., 10407, 10515) CANDIDATE'S STATEMENT The Candidate's Statement, if candidate elects to provide one, shall be filed on an appropriate form provided by the City Clerk when nomination papers are returned for filing. (Elections Code 13307) Refer to the Fair Political Practices Commission Information Manual on Campaign Disclosure Provisions of Political Reform Act for requirements. Thursday, July 31 POLITICAL REFORM ACT - CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE - SEMI-ANNUAL STATEMENT DUE - Period covered is January 1 through June 30, 2014. The period covered by this statement begins on the day after the closing date of the last statement filed, OR January 1 if no previous statement has been filed. All candidates and committees are required to file a semi-annual statement if they make any expenditures or receive or make any contributions during the applicable six-month period. Refer to the Fair Political Practices Commission Information Manual on Campaign Disclosure Provisions of Political Reform Act for requirements. 2014 General Municipal Election 2 Friday, August 8 5 p.m. 88th day CONSOLIDATION Last day for cities to file resolution with Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and Registrar of Voters, requesting consolidation of November 4 election. (Elections Code 10403) Monday, August 11, (or Thursday, August 14, if applicable) WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDATE'S STATEMENT On or before 5:30 p.m. this date (the next working day after the close of the nomination period), candidates may withdraw, but not change, Candidate's Statements. (Elections Code 13307 and 10407) Wednesday, August 13 EXTENDED FILING PERIOD If an incumbent elective officer does not file within the nomination period, the voters will have until 5:30 p.m. on the 83rd day prior to election to nominate candidates other than incumbents. (Elections Code 10225) By Monday, September 15 (to be published September 19) PUBLICATION OF LIST OF NOMINEES Not less than one week before the election the City Clerk shall publish a list of names of nominees in the order in which they appear on the ballot, and the respective offices for which they have been nominated. (Elections Code 12110) Monday, October 6 POLITICAL REFORM ACT - CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE - 1st PRE- ELECTION STATEMENT DUE - Period covered by this statement begins on the day after the closing date of the last statement filed, OR January 1 if no previous statement has been filed, and ends on September 30, 2014. Tuesday, October 7 POST ONLINE LIST OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND CONTRIBUTORS (PAMC 2.40.040) Monday, October 20 VOTER REGISTRATION CLOSES Last day for voter registration or transfer. (Elections Code 2107) By Thursday, October 23 (to be published October 31) PUBLICATION OF LIST OF ELECTION OFFICERS AND POLLING PLACES City Clerk (Registrar of Voters) to publish once election officers and polling places established, not less than one week prior to election. (Elections Code 10417, 12105, Government Code 6061) Thursday, October 23 POLITICAL REFORM ACT - CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE - 2nd PRE- ELECTION STATEMENT DUE - Period covered is October 1 through 2014 General Municipal Election 3 October 18, 2014. Monday, October 27 Tuesday, November 4 POST ONLINE LIST OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND CONTRIBUTORS (PAMC 2.40.040) ELECTION DAY The polls will be open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Elections Code 14212 and 10541) As Soon As Possible after November 4 CANVASS OF ELECTION RETURNS BY CITY COUNCIL When Registrar of Voters has completed his canvass, the City Council must meet and adopt a resolution declaring results. (Article III, Section 4 of the City Charter; PAMC Section 2.40.020) Within 5 Days after Canvass RECOUNT REQUEST Within 5 days following the completion of the canvass by the City Council, any voter may file with the City Clerk a written request for a recount of the votes cast for any candidate. The request shall specify on behalf of which candidate it is filed. (Elections Code 10266, 15610, and 15620) 1st meeting in January, 2014 ELECTION CERTIFICATES City Clerk shall sign and deliver a certificate of election to each newly elected official unless that person is required to and has not filed a campaign or disclosure statement. The Clerk shall also administer to each person elected the oath of office prescribed. (PAMC Section 2.08.310) Thursday, January 31, 2014 POLITICAL REFORM ACT - CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE - SEMI-ANNUAL STATEMENT DUE - Period covered is the day after the closing date of the last statement OR July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, if no previous statement has been filed. Refer to the Fair Political Practices Commission Information Manual. June 2014 CITY OF PALO ALTO SPECIAL ELECTION CALENDAR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 TO BE CONSOLIDATED WITH GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION This election calendar has been prepared to assist persons interested in submitting a petition to qualify for a Special Election to be held November 4, 2014. It is not intended to be a complete statement of the law governing elections. Those participating in campaigns should be advised that the law on elections is legion and is primarily located in the California Elections Code. Candidates and committees supporting candidates or measures in the City of Palo Alto must also comply with Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Chapter 2.40. Of special importance is PAMC Section 2.40.040, which requires the City Clerk to publish the names of the contributors of $50 or more. State law requires disclosure of contributions of $100 or more. To facilitate the disclosure process, contributions of $50 or more may be shown on the State campaign statements and will thus satisfy both the municipal as well as State law disclosure regulations. Statements, which do not disclose contributors and contributions of $50 or more, will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted for filing. Anonymous contributions totaling $50 or more in a calendar year are not permitted. Anonymous contributions between $50 and $100 shall be deposited with the City Clerk and shall not be kept b y the candidate (PAMC Section 2.40.050). Anonymous contributions over $100 shall be paid to the Secretary of State for deposit in the General Fund of the State (GC 84304). 2014 Special Election 1 Tuesday, June 2 154 days LAST SUGGESTED DAY TO SUBMIT INITIATIVE PETITIONS SEEKING TO QUALIFY FOR THE NOVEMBER 4 BALLOT Initiative petitions, which petitioners hope to qualify for the November 4 ballot, should be filed with the City Clerk by this date. (City Charter, Article VI, Section 2; Elections Code 9214) Monday, July 28 (to be published August 1) NOTICE RE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTAL OF ARGUMENTS City Clerk to post notice regarding deadlines for submittal of Direct and Rebuttal Arguments. Thursday, July 31 POLITICAL REFORM ACT - CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE - SEMI-AN- NUAL STATEMENT DUE - Period covered is January 1 through June 30, 2014. The period covered by this statement begins on the day after the closing date of the last statement filed, OR January 1 if no previous statement has been filed. All candidates and committees are required to file a semi-annual statement if they make any expenditures or receive or make any contributions during the applicable six-month period. Monday, August 4 RESOLUTION REQUESTING SERVICE OF REGISTRAR OF VOTERS AND TAX RATE STATEMENTS Last regular meeting for Council to adopt resolution calling special election and requesting services of the County Registrar of Voters. (Elections Code 12001, 10002, and 10403) Friday, August 8 PUBLISH RESOLUTION CALLING SPECIAL ELECTION Friday, August 8 88 days CONSOLIDATION Last day for cities to file resolution and tax rate statements with Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and Registrar of Voters requesting consolidation of November 6 election. (Elections Code 10403) Tuesday, August 12 DIRECT ARGUMENTS Last day to file written arguments for or against measure, not to exceed 300 words. Direct arguments may not be withdrawn or changed after this date. (Elections Code 306, 9287, 9295, 9600, 9601) Tuesday, August 19 IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS Last day for City Attorney to file written analyses of measures. (Elections Code 9280) 2014 Special Election 2 Tuesday, August 19 REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS Last day to file, change, or withdraw rebuttal arguments, not to exceed 250 words. (Elections Code 9285, 9600, 9601) Wednesday, August 20 Through Friday, August 29 PUBLIC EXAMINATION OF ARGUMENTS, ORDINANCES AND ANALYSES Official election materials to be made available for public examination at City Clerk's office for ten calendar days prior to submitting the materials to the County Registrar of Voters for printing. Any person may obtain a copy of such materials. (Elections Code 9286, 9295) Friday, September 12 PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION AND MEASURE(S) TO BE VOTED ON Clerk to publish once a Notice of Special Election and Synopsis of Measure(s). (The City of Palo Alto publishes full text of measures rather than synopsis.) (Elections Code 12111; Government Code 6061) Monday, October 6 POLITICAL REFORM ACT - CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE - 1st PRE- ELECTION STATEMENT DUE - Period covered by this statement begins on the day after the closing date of the last statement filed, OR January 1 if no previous statement has been filed, and ends on September 30, 2014. Tuesday, October 7 POST ONLINE LIST OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND CONTRIBUTORS (PAMC 2.40.040) Monday, October 20 VOTER REGISTRATION CLOSES (Election Code 2107) By Thursday, October 23 (to be published October 31) PUBLICATION OF LIST OF ELECTION OFFICERS AND POLLING PLACES City Clerk (Registrar of Voters) to publish once, election officers and polling places, not less than one week prior to election. (Elections Code 10417, 12105; Government Code 6061) Thursday, October 23 POLITICAL REFORM ACT - CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE - 2nd PRE- ELECTION STATEMENT DUE - Period covered is October 1 through October 18, 2014. 2014 Special Election 3 Monday, October 27 POST ONLINE LIST OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND CONTRIBUTORS (PAMC 2.40.040) Tuesday, November 4 ELECTION DAY Polls will be open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Election Code 14212 and 10541) As Soon as Possible after November 6 CANVASS OF ELECTION RETURNS BY CITY COUNCIL When Registrar of Voters has completed his canvass, the City Council must meet and canvass election results and adopt resolution declaring results. (City Charter, Article III, Section 4; PAMC Section 2.40.020) Within 5 Days after Canvass RECOUNT REQUEST Within 5 days following the completion of the canvass by the City Coun- cil, any voter may file with the City Clerk a written request for a recount of the votes cast for or against any measure. The request shall specify on behalf of which position on a measure (affirmative or negative) it is filed. (Elections Code 10266, 15610, AND 15620)