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Project Schedule and Timeline
Below is an example timeline for the poll and communication outreach. This example applies to both the initial and tracking polls.
Process
Kick-off
Kick-off meeting
Collect & analyze
background
information
Finalize sampling plan
Submit for approval
Make requested
edits
Finalize poll
Translate
Conduct poll Submit draft report
Present results
Ongoing consulting
Write poll
questionnaire
Send draft for
review & edits
Research
Development
Submit for
Approval
Finalize &
Translate
Poll Report
Analysis &
Development
Administer Poll
November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026
Process
Ballot
measure
language
The consultant team
collaborates with the
City Attorney to
finalize the 75-word
ballot question and
supporting ordinance
language. Materials
are reviewed for
clarity, legality, and
readability.
The first
informational mailer
is printed and
mailed citywide,
explaining the
measure, how funds
will be used, and
what services are at
risk without
additional revenue.
The second round
of educational
mailers goes out. At
this point, the
campaign enters its
most active phase,
with online
education, in-
person outreach,
and digital updates
ramping up as
voters begin to tune
in.
The final month is
devoted to
wrapping up
outreach,
presenting a final
report to the City
Council, and
ensuring all legal
filings and records
are complete. A final
set of community
meetings are held
to answer
questions. The team
prepares the City for
Election Day and
transfers files to the
City Clerk for
recordkeeping.
Election Day. The results of
more than a year of research,
strategy, and outreach will be
decided by voters. The City will
begin preparing for
implementation if the measure
is passed.
The Salinas City
Council formally
votes to call the
election. The ballot
question is
submitted to the
Monterey County
Registrar. Pro and
con ballot
arguments are
submitted, and
rebuttals are
prepared if needed.
A second round of
town halls is hosted
to share updates
and gather
feedback.
Vote to call the
election
First round of
mailing
Second round
of mailing
Election dayWrapping up
June 2026 July 2026 August 2026 September 2026 November 2026