Alameda City Council
April 2, 2024

ELECTION REFORM
City Council
April 2, 2024
ITEM #7-D
Prior Council Actions
A 2020 Charter Review Subcommittee resulted in three ballot measures being presented to voters at the past two elections:
– 2020 City Prosecutor (passed)
– 2020 Article 26 (failed)
– 2022 Council Salary (passed)
2 Candidate Statement
Current:
• $100 deposit
• Actual costs billed after election
– 2020 over $4,000 and 2022 just under $4,000
• Actual amount can differ from estimate
• Final bill can be very delayed
– Candidates might want to terminate campaign committees earlier 3 Candidate Statement
Proposal:
• $100 deposit
• $900 billed after election
• Candidates know amount and have time to raise/save funds • Will decrease cost recovery
• Requires upfront payment if a candidate has a balance due from prior election (implements Referral)
4 Election Reform
• Election reform included as a Strategic Priorities Project • Referral submitted by Vice Mayor Daysog proposes to
increase the size of the Council
• Initiative not filed proposed to add Ranked Choice Voting to the City Charter
• District elections could be established if the City receives a demand letter or if voters adopt a Charter amendment
– FAIRS MAPS Act of 2023 revised State regulations
• Council can raise other issues of interest
5 Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends Council adopt the
resolution pertaining to candidate statement
regulations and Council can also provide
direction on any other election issues
6