COUNCIL AGENDA: 06/23/2026
FILE: 26-763
ITEM: 3.3
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Councilmember Bien Doan
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: June 23, 2026
Approved Date:
06/23/2026
SUBJECT: PROPOSED BALLOT MEASURE FOR THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026
ELECTION TO AMEND THE CITY CHARTER TO ALLOW THE CITY
COUNCIL THE OPTION TO UTILIZE RANKED CHOICE VOTING
ONLY IN AN ELECTION TO FILL A VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF
THE MAYOR OR COUNCIL MEMBER
RECOMMENDATION
Direct the City Manager to:
1. Return to the City Council by December 2026 with additional analysis regarding Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in neighboring and comparable jurisdictions, including San Francisco, Oakland, and any other California municipalities; and
2. The analysis shall encompass, at a minimum, voter turnout, quantified fiscal impact data, voter education expenditures, and any other factors deemed relevant to a comprehensive evaluation; and
3. Defer action on placing a Charter Amendment on the November 2028 ballot until the analysis is completed.
BACKGROUND
On May 27, 2026, the Rules and Open Government Committee approved for referral to the City Council a proposal to place a Charter Amendment on the November 2026 ballot that would allow the City Council the option to utilize Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in special elections to fill vacancies in the offices of the Mayor and Councilmember.
I would like to thank the San Jose Chamber of Commerce for submitting a thoughtful letter on this item. The Chamber raised concerns regarding voter participation, voter
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
June 23, 2026
Subject: See Below
education, implementation costs, and the need for broader stakeholder engagement before advancing a Charter Amendment. The Chamber also recommended additional analysis of peer city experiences and community outreach efforts prior to placing an RCV measure before voters.
While there are arguments both in favor of and against Ranked Choice Voting, the Council has not yet received sufficient information regarding voter participation outcomes, implementation challenges, and lessons learned from neighboring jurisdictions that have utilized RCV for many years, including San Francisco. Before asking voters to amend the City’s Charter, the Council should have the benefit of a comprehensive review of these issues.
ANALYSIS
There is need for further analysis before asking voters to amend the Charter and advancing this measure. The Council would benefit from additional information regarding voter turnout and participation in jurisdictions that have implemented Ranked Choice Voting.
The Council should also receive quantified fiscal impact information, including implementation costs, voter education expenses, and any projected savings associated with Ranked Choice Voting.
Additionally, concerns remain regarding voter understanding of the ranking process, particularly among seniors and other voters who may be unfamiliar with Ranked Choice Voting. The extent of which RCV may create voter confusion should be a part of a comprehensive review before asking voters to approve the measure.