To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
City Council Meeti ng – Counci l Membe r Item s Report
City Council
Mayo r Pa t Burns
October 7, 2025
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-64 in Support of Immediate Action to Ensure a Legally Valid and Transparent 2026 General Election 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
ISSUE STATEMENT
Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of representative democracy, ensuring that government remains accountable to the people it serves. Californi a election law provid es the framework that protects voter access, ballot integrit y, and transparent administration, but ongoi ng scrutiny is necessary to maintain public trust. When voters believe their voices are heard and their ballots are secure, confidence in the legitimacy of outcomes grows. Conversely, any perception of unfairness— whether in how votes are cast, counted, or districts are drawn—undermines faith in the process.
A critical component of election integrity is the assurance that voting systems remain transparent, secure, and resistant to manipulation. California has enacted laws aimed at balancing access with accountability, such as requiring voter verification and mandating audits of election results. These safeguards are vital to reassure citizens that elections are conducted with accuracy and fairness. At the same time, the state must guard against measures that unintentionally weaken oversight or create opportunities for errors, as even minor lapses can erode trust in outcomes.
Equally important is the role of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, which was created to draw legislative and congressional district maps independently of lawmakers. This body was designed to prevent gerrymandering and promote fair representation.
We need to strengthen public confidence and safeguard the principle of free and fair elections by upholding transparent election laws and maintain vigilance over redistricting.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-64, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach in Support of Immediate Action to Ensure a Legally Valid and Transparent 2026 General Election.”
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Non Applicable - Administrative Item