Campaign Ordinance
Amendments
November 6, 2023
Prasanna W. Rasiah
City Attorney
Questions for Council
1. Does the Council agree with the proposed municipal code changes as shown in the draft ordinance?
2. Does the Council wish to include the optional provision requiring campaign mailers to be filed with the City?
3. Should the City no longer charge candidates for the cost of candidate statements?
2 of 7
Voluntary Expenditure Limit
• Candidates indicate intention to abide by VEL
• One opportunity to decline after close of nominations • Based on $2.50/resident in each district
• Adjusted by CPI every two years
• Exceptions: filing fees, returned contributions, legal expenses, etc.
• Benefits: public identification on City website, newsletter, and newspaper
• Penalty for violation: publicizing by same methods
3 of 7
Recalls and Contribution Aggregation
• Amendments clarify that contribution limits do not apply to recall elections
• Ballot question: whether to recall an elected official, not who should replace them
• Vacancies filled by appointment, not an election
• Aggregated contributions subject to $1,000 limit
4 of 7
Campaign Mailers (Mass Mailings)
• Optional language – Council direction needed
• Draft provision would require campaign mailers to be filed with the City
• Exception for member communications under state law
• Does not include online communications
• Complaint driven enforcement
5 of 7
Candidate Statement Filing Costs
• Should the City absorb costs for candidates to publish a candidate statement in County sample ballot and voter
information guide.
• Cost would be approximately $3,500 per election cycle. 6 of 7
Questions for Council
1. Does the Council agree with the proposed municipal code changes as shown in the draft ordinance?
2. Does the Council wish to include the optional provision requiring campaign mailers to be filed with the City?
3. Should the City no longer charge candidates for the cost of candidate statements?
7 of 7