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23. Move date of general municipal electionOFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES CUPERTINO CITY HALL 10300 TORRE AVE- CUPERTINO, CA 95014 TELEPHONE: (408) 1 1 77 -3220 • FAX: (408) 777 -3366 SUMMARY Agenda Item No SUBJECT Meeting Date: March 16, 2010 Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare an ordinance for City Council's consideration to move the date of the City's general municipal election and consolidate it with the statewide general election commencing in November 2012. BACKGROUND Many jurisdictions consolidate their municipal general elections with the statewide general elections held on first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even numbered years. Each local jurisdiction's costs of holding its elections are considerably lower if elections are _ consolidated with the statewide general elections than if held on odd numbered years. Further, by consolidating local elections with the statewide general election, there is greater voter turnout in the local elections. Many voters that may not normally participate in local elections held in odd numbered years do participate in the statewide general elections. For example, in the 2008 statewide general election, 86% of Cupertino registered voters participated, as compared to 42% in the November 2009 election. While 2008 was a presidential election year, which typically has a higher voter turnout, there is a readily apparent difference between voter turn-out in the consolidated elections held in odd numbered years as compared to the elections consolidated with the statewide general election in even numbered years. In the 2006 statewide general election 63% of the voters participated, as compared to 39% in the November 2007 election. In 2004, there was a 71% voter turnout among all Santa Clara County voters (The City of Cupertino did not place anything on the 2004 general election ballot and therefore there are no statistics available for Cupertino resident participation in the 2004 general --lection). Furthermore, when elections are consolidated with the statewide general elections, voters do not have to keep track of several different election dates, which also makes the election process more open to the public. 23 -1 The City of Cupertino's general municipal elections are currently being held in November of odd numbered years and coincide with Cupertino Union School District elections. Fremont Union High School District elections are already held on even numbered years. Subsequently, if the elementary school district does not change their election to even years, their costs will likely rise. However, if the general municipal election is instead consolidated with the statewide general elections held on first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even numbered years, there will likely be a greater voter turnout in the City's municipal election. The democratic process will be more inclusive because of the increased voter participation. Further, by consolidating with the statewide general election, the City's expenses of holding elections are expected to be reduced. Because the next election will be held in November 2012 instead of November 2011, the City will also defer incurring such expenses for a year. Other cities in the County, including Gilroy and Los Altos, have already changed their election dates for cost saving purposes. Election Code Section 1303(b)(1) authorizes the City Council to enact an ordinance requiring the general municipal elections to be held on the same day as the statewide general elections, provided the ordinance is approved by the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors. Pursuant to Election Code Section 10403.5(b), such an ordinance may not increase any term of office by more than 12 months. "12 months" means the period between the day upon which a term of office commenced and the first Tuesday after the second Monday in the 12th month after that day, inclusive. Therefore, the moving of the November 2011 general municipal election to November 2012 and thereafter will not extend by more than 12 months the term of any Councilmember. Alternatives 1. Direct the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare an ordinance for City Council's consideration to move the date of the City's general municipal election and consolidate it with the statewide general election commencing in November 2012. 2. Take no action to move the date of the City's general municipal election. FISCAL IMPACT By consolidating the City's general municipal elections with the statewide general elections, the City anticipates that the cost of holding the election will be reduced by a minimum of approximately $30,000 per election year. Further, by holding the election in 2012 instead of 2011, the election costs will be deferred for one year. However, to make this change, the City will have to pay a one -time charge of $20,000 to the County registrar. 23 -2 Submitted by: , &1t:ia Caiol Atwood Director of Administrative Services Carol Kora e City Attorney Approved for submission to the City Council: L) id Knapp City Manager 23 -3