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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 14285 City of Palo Alto (ID # 14285) Office of the City Clerk City Council CAO Report Meeting Date: 5/9/2022 Report Type: Title: Informational Report Regarding the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election, Related Schedules, Fees, and Length of Candidate Statements From: Lesley Milton, City Clerk This is an informational report. The City Clerk is required to bring a report regarding specific deadlines for the November 8, 2022 election, 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 at least 100 qualified or registered voters' signatures. 2. Charges for and Length of Candidates' Statements Under California Elections Code Section 13307 sets forth requirements for candidate statements that will appear in the voter information guide. Under Section 13307, statements are limited to 200 words unless the City Council authorizes statements up to 400 words. In addition, Section 13307 provides that before the General Municipal Election nomination period opens, the City Council shall determine whether a charge is to be levied to candidates for printing and mailing their statements in the voter information guide. The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters has indicated that for this November General Municipal Election, the cost for printing a candidates' statement of 200-words is estimated to be $2,949 and a 400-word statement is estimated to be $ 4,122. Historically, the City Council Resolution calling the election has not authorized the Page 2 lengthier statements and has not levied a charge on candidates for their candidate statement. 3. Deadlines for the November 8, 2022 Election Included as attachment A to this report is a calendar of deadlines for the election in Santa Clara County, including the requirement for the City to adopt a resolution calling for an election on November 8, 2022, deadlines to submit ballot measures to be on the ballot, the nomination filing period for qualifying City Council Candidates. The Clerk’s Office will place a Resolution on a future Council agenda for adoption and approval before July 6, 2022. The most notable deadlines for the November 8, 2022 election are as follows: Before July 6, 2022 City Council must adopt a Resolution Calling for an Election and submit it to the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters July 18 – August 12, 2022 Nomination period to qualify candidates for City Council for the ballot August 13 – 17, 2022 Extension of the Nomination Period if an incumbent does not file July 28 – August 12, 2022 Measure Resolutions and Tax Rate Statements must be submitted to the Registrar of Voters to be considered on the ballot October 24, 2022 Last day to register to vote for the November 2022 election November 8, 2022 Election Day December 8, 2022 Last day for the Canvass of the Vote and Certification of the election results FISCAL IMPACT The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters (SCCROV) has issued a cost estimate for the 2022 election at $150,927 for the election of three council seats. Additionally, should the City choose to add ballot measures to the November election, the cost estimate would be an additional $79,759 for each ballot measure (this estimate is based on 6-page ballot measure printed in the voter guide). Page 3 In addition to the above costs, the SCCROV has indicated that the cost of Candidate statements is estimated to be $2,949 for the printing costs associated with a 200-word statement and $4,122 for printing a 400-word statement. Historically, although there is no formal policy establishing this process, the City has not charged nor sought reimbursement from candidates for the printing of Candidate Statements within the ballot guide and has absorbed the cost within the Clerk’s Office budget. This cost is separate from the $25 Candidate Nomination filing fee that is included in the adopted fee schedule. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT None. ATTACHMENTS: • Attachment A: Amended Abbreviated Primary General Election - November 8, 2022 (PDF) E- E- to E- E-90 to 0 Wednesday, August 10, 2022 to Tuesday, November 8, 2022 E-103 to 88 Thursday, July 28, 2022 to Friday, August 12, 2022 E- E-87 to 83 Saturday, August 13, 2022 to Wednesday, August 17, 2022 E- E- AMENDED ABBREVIATED GUBERNATORIAL GENERAL ELECTION CALENDAR November 8, 2022 County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters This calendar may not contain all candidate or district filing requirements. The Office of the Registrar of Voters is not open for filings on Saturday, Sunday or holidays. 2 The period covered by any statement begins on the day after the closing date of the last statement filed, OR January 1st, if no previous statement has been filed. 3 Date falls on a weekend or public holiday; deadlines move forward to the next business day as noted with the respective effected date. 1 Refer to California Elections Code §§9190, 9295, 9380, 9509, 13313, and 13314 for details of public examination periods and writ of mandate. Activity Periods and Due Date(s)ACTIVITIES / DOCUMENTS # of Days Prior to or Following Election 88 Friday, August 12, 2022 1NOMINATION PERIOD CLOSESDeadline to file (in the Office of the Registrar of Voters only) all required nomination documents. LAST DAY FOR PROPONENTS TO WITHDRAW AN INITIATIVELast day for proponents to withdraw an initiative that qualified for the ballot. 125 Wednesday, July 6, 2022 RESOLUTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE ROV Date for jurisdictions to submit resolutions calling for a candidate election to meet timeline for a full nomination period. The ROV encourages jurisdictions to provide a resolution as early as possible. 2CONTRIBUTION / INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES Sums of $1,000 or more to/from a single source must be reported within 24-hours. The Independent Expenditure report is required only for committees (not candidate controlled) that make independent expenditures totaling $1,000 or more to support or oppose a single ballot measure or a single candidate. 1PERIOD FOR MEASURE RESOLUTIONS AND TAX RATE STATEMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE ROVBetween these dates is the period for jurisdictions to submit a resolution calling for a measure special election, and if applicable, tax rate statements. The ROV encourages jurisdictions to provide a resolution as early as possible. 113 Monday, July 18, 2022 NOMINATION PERIOD OPENSFirst day candidates may pick up nomination documents at the office of the Registrar of Voters. 84 Tuesday, August 16, 2022 1DUE DATE FOR PRIMARY ARGUMENTS5:00 p.m. is the deadline set by the Registrar of Voters for submitting primary arguments in favor of and against a measure. Arguments for City measures must be filed with the City Clerk's office. Contact the City Clerk's office for filing deadlines. 98 Tuesday, August 2, 2022 RUN-OFF CANDIDATES ONLY: REQUEST FOR DIFFERENT BALLOT DESIGNATION Last day for run-off candidates to request, in writing, a different ballot designation than that used at the Statement Direct Primary election. For State offices, requests should be made to both the Secretary of State, and the Registrar of Voters offices. LAST DAY TO AMEND OR WITHDRAW A MEASURE Deadline for jurisdictions to amend or withdraw a measure from the ballot. The measure must be amended or withdrawn by resolution. 83 Wednesday, August 17, 2022 The below calendar was amended on November 4, 2021 to add run-off candidate information. E-99 Monday, August 1, 2022 2F.P.P.C. SEMI-ANNUAL STATEMENT DUE Deadline for semi-annual financial disclosure report Form 460 covering the reporting period noted below or the day after the closing date of the last statement filed. Reporting Period:January 1, 2022 June 30, 2022 1NOMINATION EXTENSION PERIODIf the incumbent fails to file a Declaration of Candidacy by deadline for their office, there will be a 5-calendar-day extension during which any candidate, other than the incumbent, may file for said office. 4 Arguments and Rebuttal Arguments for City measures must be filed with the City Clerk's office. Contact the City Clerk's office for filing deadlines. 1 Revised 11.4.21 by BL AMENDED ABBREVIATED GUBERNATORIAL GENERAL ELECTION CALENDAR November 8, 2022 County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters This calendar may not contain all candidate or district filing requirements. The Office of the Registrar of Voters is not open for filings on Saturday, Sunday or holidays. 2 The period covered by any statement begins on the day after the closing date of the last statement filed, OR January 1st, if no previous statement has been filed. 3 Date falls on a weekend or public holiday; deadlines move forward to the next business day as noted with the respective effected date. 1 Refer to California Elections Code §§9190, 9295, 9380, 9509, 13313, and 13314 for details of public examination periods and writ of mandate. Activity Periods and Due Date(s)ACTIVITIES / DOCUMENTS # of Days Prior to or Following Election The below calendar was amended on November 4, 2021 to add run-off candidate information. 4 Arguments and Rebuttal Arguments for City measures must be filed with the City Clerk's office. Contact the City Clerk's office for filing deadlines. E-83 to 74 Wednesday, August 17, 2022 to Friday, August 26, 2022 E- E- E-76 to 67 Wednesday, August 24, 2022 to Friday, September 2, 2022 E- E-57 to 14 Monday, September 12, 2022 to Tuesday, October 25, 2022 to E- E-28 to 1 Tuesday, October 11, 2022 to Monday, November 7, 2022 E- to 2F.P.P.C. 2nd PRE-ELECTION STATEMENT DUE Deadline for financial disclosure report Form 460 covering the reporting period noted below or the day after the closing date of the last statement filed. 67 Friday, September 2, 2022 Reporting Period:September 25, 2022 October 22, 2022 LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE FOR THIS ELECTIONDeadline to register to be eligible to vote in this election. 3EARLY VOTING PERIOD AT THE ROV OFFICE Early voting is available at the Registrar of Voters office for individuals wishing to drop off ballot or vote in person during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., beginning 29 days prior the election. E- 1,4EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR ALL PRIMARY ARGUMENTS FILED The elections official shall make the arguments available for public examination during business hours for a period of 10-calendar days immediately following the filing deadline for submission of those documents. 1DUE DATE FOR REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS AND IMPARTIAL ANALYSESDeadline set by the Registrar of Voters for submitting rebuttal arguments to primary arguments in favor of and against a measure and impartial analyses. 1,4EXAMINATION PERIOD FOR ALL REBUTTALS AND IMPARTIAL ANALYSES FILED The elections official shall make the rebuttal arguments and Impartial Analyses available for public examination during business hours for a period of 10-calendar days immediately following the filing deadline for submission of those documents. 1,4FINAL PRINTING DEADLINE Any petition for writ of mandate, including any appeals, should be resolved by this date so the Registrar of Voters can meet necessary printing deadlines. 2F.P.P.C. 1st PRE-ELECTION STATEMENT DUE Deadline for financial disclosure report Form 460 covering the reporting period noted below or the day after the closing date of the last statement filed. 40 Thursday, September 29, 2022 WRITE-IN CANDIDACY PERIOD Between these dates is the period for candidates to obtain and file write-in nomination documents in the Office of the Registrar of Voters. 77 Tuesday, August 23, 2022 July 1, 2022 September 24, 2022Reporting Period: 29 Monday, October 10, 2022 15 Monday, October 24, 2022 12 Thursday, October 27, 2022 FIRST DAY TO BEGIN MAILING VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS First day to begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots. E- 82 Thursday, August 18, 2022 RANDOMIZED ALPHABET DRAWINGThis day the Secretary of State (SOS) and the local elections official will conduct a drawing of letters of the alphabet to determine the order in which candidates appear on the ballot. For local offices, candidates should refer to the SOS's drawing, and for State or Legislative offices, candidates should refer to the ROV's drawing for order of their name to appear on the ballot. 2 Revised 11.4.21 by BL AMENDED ABBREVIATED GUBERNATORIAL GENERAL ELECTION CALENDAR November 8, 2022 County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters This calendar may not contain all candidate or district filing requirements. The Office of the Registrar of Voters is not open for filings on Saturday, Sunday or holidays. 2 The period covered by any statement begins on the day after the closing date of the last statement filed, OR January 1st, if no previous statement has been filed. 3 Date falls on a weekend or public holiday; deadlines move forward to the next business day as noted with the respective effected date. 1 Refer to California Elections Code §§9190, 9295, 9380, 9509, 13313, and 13314 for details of public examination periods and writ of mandate. Activity Periods and Due Date(s)ACTIVITIES / DOCUMENTS # of Days Prior to or Following Election The below calendar was amended on November 4, 2021 to add run-off candidate information. 4 Arguments and Rebuttal Arguments for City measures must be filed with the City Clerk's office. Contact the City Clerk's office for filing deadlines. E- E E+ E+ E+ to VOTE CENTERS OPEN 10 DAYS BEFORE ELECTION DAY Vote Centers are open to all registered voters in Santa Clara County. Vote Centers are open to all registered voters in jurisdictions holding special elections. Any voter can go to any Vote Center location throughout the County. Hours may vary by location and locations may vary with each election – please see listing on our website at sccvote.com or click link below. Official Ballot Drop Box and Vote Center Sites Information Saturday, October 29, 2022 to Tuesday, November 8, 202210to0 (The ROV website will be updated for each election.) 2F.P.P.C. SEMI-ANNUAL STATEMENT DUE Deadline for semi-annual financial disclosure report Form 460 covering the reporting period noted below or the day after the closing date of the last statement filed. Reporting Period:July 1, 2022 December 31, 2022 E+84 Tuesday, January 31, 2023 28 E- 30 Thursday, December 8, 2022 7 Tuesday, November 1, 2022 0 Tuesday, November 8, 2022 22 Wednesday, November 30, 2022 SIGNATURE VERIFICATION DATELast day to turn in unsigned ballots or signature verification statements.Tuesday, December 6, 2022 OFFICIAL CANVASS OF VOTERegistrar of Voters to certify election results. LAST DAY TO REQUEST VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT TO BE MAILED Deadline at 5:00 p.m. to submit a request for a Vote-by-Mail ballot to be mailed to voter. ELECTION DAY All Vote Centers and ROV office are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for dropping off ballot or voting in person. Ballots must be postmarked by this date to ensure eligibility of counted votes. ELECTIONS OFFICIAL TO NOTIFY VOTER OF VERIFICATION OF SIGNATUREIn the case of a voter whose signature does not match or is missing, the elections official is required to notify the voter at least 8 days before the certification of the election of an opportunity to update the voter's signature. 3 Revised 11.4.21 by BL