Administrative
Report
M.1., File # 22-5097 Meeting Date: 11/8/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ELEANOR MANZANO, CITY CLERK
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION PERTAINING TO A POSSIBLE CHARTER AMENDMENT
FOR VOTERS TO APPROVE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RANKED CHOICE VOTING FOR CITY
ELECTIVE OFFICES OR THE OPTION TO VEST THE POWER TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO SET
THE TYPE OF ELECTION THAT SHOULD OCCUR BY THE CITY COUNCIL BY ORDINANCE FOR
VOTERS TO DETERMINE BY MEASURE AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION OF MARCH 7, 2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Pursuant to the City Council Meeting of January 11, 2022, the City Council is being asked to determine if they wish to go forward with a Charter amendment pertaining to Ranked Choice Voting.
To date, there are no California cities that have adopted use of STAR Voting method pursuant to a recent City Clerk’s list serve poll.
The City of Eureka Charter Section 207 is attached as an example of voter implementation of Ranked Choice Voting. Other examples from Albany and Berkeley are also provided. The City and County of San Francisco Voter Outreach Plan is attached for Council reference should the City move forward with RCV.
Council is asked to direct the City Clerk’s Office to work with the City Attorney’s office to return with a ballot measure resolution before or by December 6, 2022 to implement Ranked Choice Voting for addition to the March 7, 2023 General Municipal Election.
It has come to the attention of the City Clerk’s Office that the City of Ojai has a ballot measure on the November 8, 2022 Statewide Election ballot to consider transitioning from plurality system to Ranked Choice Voting for elective offices. The Ojai Council resolution, ballot question and arguments are attached for reference.
BACKGROUND
At the City Council meeting of January 11, 2022, the City Council motion included, by friendly amendment accepted of Councilmember Obagi, that “pursuant to the Charter that the power to set the type of election that should occur shall be vested in the City Council by ordinance” as a third option, which can be changed by Council.
The City Council requested additional information in consideration of implementation of an alternative voting method to replace separate or delayed runoff elections aka Instant Runoff. Pursuant to
M.1., File # 22-5097 Meeting Date: 11/8/2022
voting method to replace separate or delayed runoff elections aka Instant Runoff. Pursuant to demonstrations and presentations of how RCV and STAR Voting system works before determining to move forward with an election to amend the City Charter and Municipal Code--Section 18.4. Majority vote: Runoff elections and Municipal Code 2-2.202 Notices of runoff elections.
FISCAL IMPACT
FY 2022-23 budget for inclusion/printing of a ballot measure is minimal.
ATTACHMENTS
City Charter Sec. 18.4 Majority vote: Runoff elections
Municipal Code Section 2-2.202 Notices of runoff elections Admin Report and Minutes of January 11, 2022
Admin Report and Minutes of November 9, 2021
Cities of Albany, Berkeley, and Eureka RCV Ordinances
City/County of San Francisco RCV Voter Outreach Plan
City of Ojai Ballot November 8, 2022 RCV Ballot Measure documents