Arguments in support or opposition of the proposed laws are the opinions of the authors.
Argument in Favor of Measure ☒
[or]
Argument Against Measure ☐
[Pursuant to §9282: Maximum 300 words]
Vote YES to fix an expensive election flaw in our City Charter.
Right now, when the City Council fills a vacancy by appointment, the Charter can force Sunnyvale to hold two elections for the same seat in the same year: one consolidated with a March or June primary, then another in November for the full term. Taxpayers pay for both.
Candidates run two campaigns. The winner of the first election can serve as little as five months.
This measure makes a common-sense fix: a councilmember appointed to fill a vacancy serves until the next regularly scheduled November election, when the most voters can choose a successor.
A YES vote:
• SAVES MONEY. It eliminates the possibility of paying for two elections for one seat in a single year, and November elections cost the City less than primary elections. • INCLUDES MORE VOTERS. November general elections in Sunnyvale draw roughly 60% turnout. Primary Elections draw about 40%, and Special Elections far less. Council elections should be decided when voter turnout is highest. • KEEPS VOTERS IN CHARGE. Voters still elect every Councilmember and Mayor. But the whole electorate at the next November election chooses the new councilmember instead of a low-turnout primary.
This fix was recommended by Sunnyvale’s Charter Review Committee, after more than a year of study. Your City Council voted unanimously to place it on the ballot, and it builds directly on the vacancy reforms approved previously by Sunnyvale voters after the costly 2016 Special Election.
Vote YES for efficient elections and maximum voter participation.
Attachment 3
Draft Ballot Argument
Council Vacancies
Charter Section 606