CC 20161101 02 Elections to Even YearsRANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 11/01/2016
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
Consideration of policies regarding change of general municipal election date and review
of sample ordinances changing the general municipal election date to the statewide
general election held in November of even -numbered years.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Consider and provide direction to Staff regarding the implementation of the change
in 2020, as permitted by SB415, and to therefore effect no changes for the current
seated Councilmembers terms, but to instead reduce the terms for the incumbent
and/or candidates seeking election in the future by 12 months; or
(2) Review and consider adoption thereof of one of the attached sample ordinances
showing options for implementation of SB 415.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Amount Budgeted:
Additional Appropriation:
Account Number(s):
$0
N/A
101-1004-411-32-00'1''
ORIGINATED BY: Julie Biggs/Dave Aleshire, City Attorney
REVIEWED BY: Gabriella Yap, Deputy City Manager) -
APPROVED BY: Doug Willmore, City Manager'.
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Sample Ordinances (page A-1)
B. Text of SB 415 (page B-1)
C. Estimate of Cost for Even Year Consolidated Election (page C-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
1. The Voter Participation Act and Election Dates
The California Legislature has enacted SB 415 (The Voter Protection Act) which requires
certain cities to consolidate their elections with a statewide general election as a means
of complying with the California Voting Rights Act. Various studies have demonstrated
that general municipal elections held in March, April or off-year November election dates
as permitted in the California Election Code often draw far fewer voters to the polls than
occurs at a statewide general election. Changing the election date to the statewide
general election in contrast tends to assure a better voter turn -out and therefore greater
public Darticioation in the local electoral process. SB 415 takes effect in 2018 and
09999.0003/319456. 1
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requires at a minimum that a plan of action be approved that may be implemented in full
no later than 2022.
Under the California Elections Code, cities have the discretion to set local city council
elections on one of several dates. Elections Code §1301(b) sets forth the following
options:
(b) (1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a city council may enact an
ordinance, pursuant to Division 10 (commencing with Section 10000),
requiring its general municipal election to be held on the same day as the
statewide direct primary election, the day of the statewide general election,
on the day of school district elections as set forth in Section 1302, the first
Tuesday after the first Monday of March in each odd -numbered year, or the
second Tuesday of April in each year. Any ordinance adopted pursuant to
this subdivision shall become operative upon approval by the board of
supervisors.
In Rancho Palos Verdes, the regular election date is currently the first Tuesday after the
first Monday in November in odd numbered years. The City has the authority, however,
to change that date to consolidate the City's election with a statewide general election.
To do that, the City must adopt an ordinance changing the election date to coincide and
be consolidated with the statewide general . The County Board of Supervisors is then
required to approve the consolidation of the election.
Statewide elections are defined in Elections Code 1001 as follows:
Elections held in June and November of each even -numbered year are
statewide elections and the dates of those elections are statewide election
dates.
While elections in June and November are both "statewide elections," only the election
held in November of even -numbered years is a "statewide general election" under the
California Elections Code. The Code makes a distinction between the June and
November elections as follows:
1200. The statewide general election shall be held on the first Tuesday
after the first Monday in November of each even -numbered
year.
1201. The statewide direct primary shall be held on the first
Tuesday after the first Monday in June of each even -numbered year.
Accordingly, the provisions of SB 415 appear to require consolidation of off cycle elections
where low voter turnout has been identified with the statewide general election held in
November of even -years.
09999.0003/319456.1
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2. Voter Participation Act mandates apply to Rancho Palos Verdes
Under SB 415, cities that have experienced a 25% or more reduction in voter turnout for
local elections that occurred on average in the previous four statewide general elections
must adopt an ordinance or plan to consolidate their local elections with the statewide
general election no later than 2022.
The following analysis of voter turnout statistics for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes over
the last four statewide election cycles demonstrates the applicability of SB 415:
Election Year Registered Voters Ballots Cast Percentage of
City Elections Voter Turnout
2015 27,516 5,493 19.9%
2013 28,367 5,199 18.3%
2011 27,044 9,682 35.8%
2009 27,022 7,361 27.2%
2007 25,832 7,482 28.9%
Statewide General Registered Voters Ballots Cast Percentage of
Election November Voter Turnout
2014 28,160 13,522 48%
2012 28,036 21,859 78%
2010 27,584 18,810 68.2%
2008 26,630 22,860 85.8%
What this data shows is the following:
Election Year Percent Turnout Minimum Turnout needed
to preclude mandatory
change to statewide
election (Actual turnout
less 25%)
Odd -year November
City Elections 26% n/a
November Statewide
General Elections 70% 70%-17.5= 53%
09999.0003/319456. 1
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Thus, it appears that the average 26% voter turnout in the City's odd -year November
elections is well below the minimum 53% voter turnout that must be met to retain the
City's off-year November election cycle.
Of course, the County of Los Angeles must consent to consolidation of the election and
there have been some indications that the County is concerned about the costs and
logistics of taking on that responsibility for all the cities in the County that may be required
to change their election dates. Even if the County of Los Angeles were to decline to
permit consolidation, the City still must adjust its election date to the statewide general
election under the provisions of SB 415 at its own cost if necessary. Accordingly, making
a decision as soon as possible is likely to preserve as many options as possible for the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes to comply with the legislative mandate.
Perhaps most importantly, the City must at a minimum have a plan approved prior to
January 1, 2018, to make the mandated change of election date take place prior to 2022.
Discussion of policy issues and development of such a plan are essential to assuring that
the City is in compliance with California law.
3. Effect on terms of office
The California Elections Code provides as follows with regard to the effect of changing
an election date on the term of office of an incumbent:
Elections Code 10403.5
(b) As a result of the adoption of an ordinance pursuant to this section, no
term of office shall be increased or decreased by more than 12 months. As
used in this subdivision, "12 months" means the period between the day
upon which the term of office would otherwise have commenced and the
first Tuesday after the second Monday in the 12th month before or after that
day, inclusive.
If the City Council adopts an ordinance that takes effect in 2018, it will affect incumbent
members of the City Council who would otherwise be up for election in November of 2017
or 2019. Under Elections Code 1043.5, the maximum reduction or extension or reduction
of a term of office resulting from consolidation of the local election with a statewide
election is 12 months. If the November 2017 local election is consolidated with the
November 2018 statewide general election, the terms of office for the incumbents who
would otherwise remain in office only until 2017 would be extended by 12 months to
November of 2018. Similarly, incumbents who would otherwise be up for election in 2019
would have their terms of office extended for 12 months to November of 2020.
If, however, the City were to implement the change in 2020 , as permitted by SB 415, the
elections now scheduled to be held in 2017 and 2019 could proceed subject to a change
in the term of office for incumbents elected in each of those elections. Based on Staff's
recommendation, terms of office would be reduced by 12 months in order to effect the
09999.0003/319456.1
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change of the election date. By implementing in 2020, candidates for City Council, as
well as voters, will be aware of the effect on the term of office for the position they are
seeking at the time they decide to enter the electoral race.
So long as a plan of action is developed and approved prior to January 1, 2018,
implementing the change of the election date to 2020 would allow the City to fully comply
with the provisions of SB 415 and to assure that the public and current incumbents are
not surprised by the extension or shortening of a term of office. All parties will be fully
aware, prior to deciding whether to run for public office, of the limitations imposed during
this time period. Here is a brief chart showing the various options:
Election
Term Ends
New Election
Expiration of Term
Date
2017
2021
2018
2022 (+1 yr)
2017
2021
2020
2020 ( -1 yr)
2019
2023
2018
2022 (-1 yr)
2019
2023
2020
2024 (+1 yr)
2019
2023
2022
2022 (-1 yr)
2021
2025
2024
2024 (-1 yr)
4. Fiscal Impact
Changing the election date for Rancho Palos Verdes would likely decrease the overall
cost of the general municipal election somewhat because even though it is very likely that
more voters will be participating in the process, the County may be able to rely on certain
economies of scale to reduce costs to the City. The City's election costs in previous years
has ranged from $140,0004180,000. The County has projected a cost of approximately
$47,000 to consolidate the election, but costs will vary based on multiple factors, such as
seats available or number of measures. That cost figure does not, however, include
recurring City costs typically $5,000-$7,000, leading up to and following the actual
election process. Nevertheless, consolidation of the general municipal election with the
County run statewide general election, however, should limit any increase dramatically.
Since the new policy has yet to be implemented, specific cost figures are not available.
Failure to comply with SB 415 may spark a legal challenge which could be very costly
since AB 415 allows challengers' legal fees if they prevail and may also be counter-
productive to the City's interest in encouraging greater voter participation in local
elections. Regardless, we are projecting savings of approximately $100,000 per election.
09999.0003/319456.1
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CONCLUSION
If the City of Rancho Palos Verdes wants to take action to implement the policy that has
been mandated by the State Legislature, it has the authority to do so under current law.
The City Council must make a determination as to when this change will take effect. Staff
has recommended that the first consolidation with the statewide general election take
place in November of 2020 so that all parties and the public are fully aware that the
members of the city council elected in 2017 and 2019 will be subject to shortened terms
of office for one term. Thereafter, all candidates elected to the City Council will serve four
year terms in accord with the provisions of SB 415 and Elections Code.
Accordingly, the attached sample ordinances reflecting 2018 (extended term) and 2020
(shortened term) start date options have been prepared for consideration by the City
Council as it evaluates the policy issues associated with the mandated change of election
date. Once actual dates are set, an appropriate ordinance reflecting that decision will be
prepared.
ALTERNATIVES
In addition to the Recommended Council Action options identified by Staff, there are a
myriad number of possibilities and the Council could direct Staff to pursue another action
not listed above:
(1) Consider and provide direction to Staff regarding extending the current seated five
Councilmember terms by one year to implement SB 415 and to consolidate with
the statewide general election date in November of even -numbered years starting
in 2018; or
(2) Consider and provide direction to Staff regarding other proposed options as they
deem appropriate.
09999.0003/319456.1
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ORDINANCE NUMBER
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
CHAPTER 2.28 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE, REQUIRING THAT THE GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES BE HELD ON THE FIRST TUESDAY
AFTER THE FIRST MONDAY OF NOVEMBER IN EACH
EVEN -NUMBERED YEAR BEGINNING IN 2018
WHEREAS, many studies have shown that voter participation in local elections
dramatically improves when local elections are held on the same day as statewide
elections; and
WHEREAS, in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, voter turnout in local elections
which are now held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of odd
numbered years is dramatically reduced from voter turnout in statewide general
elections held in June or November of even numbered years; and
WHEREAS, the California State Legislature has enacted SB 415 which takes
effect in 2018 and mandates changing local election dates to statewide general election
dates in communities where voter turnout for local elections is at least 25% less than
voter turnout in statewide elections; and
WHEREAS, in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, the difference in voter turnout
for the November local election held in odd numbered years is significantly lower than
the turnout for statewide general elections held in even numbered years exceeding the
25% deviation set forth on SB 415; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of Elections Code 1301(b)(1), cities are
authorized to change the date of their general municipal elections to coincide with the
day of the statewide general election; and
WHEREAS, in order to pro -actively encourage and promote greater voter turnout
in local elections the City of Rancho Palos Verdes wishes to take the lead among
California cities by voluntarily moving its general municipal election date to the
statewide election date; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that its goals of encouraging
maximum voter turnout and community participation in the democratic electoral process
will be promoted by changing the general municipal election date of the City from the
first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in each odd -numbered year to the first
Tuesday after the first Monday of November in even numbered years, to coincide with
the statewide general election as set forth in California Elections Code §1000 ; and
09999.0003/319449.1 A-1
WHEREAS, if approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, this
change will not have the effect of reducing or extending any term of office by more than
twelve months.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes general municipal election
scheduled to be held in November 2017 shall be rescheduled and instead shall be
consolidated and held concurrently with the general statewide election in November of
2018 and the City's general municipal election schedule shall thereafter be held in
November in each even numbered year to coincide with regular statewide general
elections. Accordingly, commencing with the general municipal election in November
2018, the general municipal elections for the City shall be held on the first Tuesday after
the first Monday of November in each even -numbered year.
SECTION 2. Chapter 2.28 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code is
hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 2.28 - ELECTION DATE
Sections:
2.28.010 - Election date designated.
The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even -numbered
year is established as the date for the general municipal election in the city.
2.28.020 - Extension of terms.
Those terms of office that would have expired in November 2017, shall be
extended until no later than the fourth Tuesday after the general municipal
election in November of 2018 and those terms of office that would have expired
in November of 2019, shall be extended until no later than the fourth Tuesday
after the November general municipal election in 2020. No term of office shall be
extended or reduced by more than 12 months as a result of this change of
election date.
2.28.030 - Consolidation.
An election held pursuant to this chapter is intended to occur on the same date
as the regular statewide general election held in November of even -numbered
years and shall be consolidated with that election. The provisions contained in
the Elections Code pertaining to the conduct of elections shall apply."
SECTION 3. Certification.
The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance by the
City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and shall cause a summary of this
Ordinance to be published in accordance with Government Code Section 36933.
09999.0003/319449.1 2
SECTION 4. Transmittal to Board of Supervisors.
The City Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this Ordinance to the Clerk
of the Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County, together with the request that said
Board approve this Ordinance and provide the City with notice of such approval.
SECTION 5. Notice to Reaistered Voters.
Within thirty (30) days after approval of this Ordinance by the Board of
Supervisors of Los Angeles County, the City Clerk shall cause a notice to be mailed to
all registered voters in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes informing them of the change in
the general municipal election date and council members terms affected by this
Ordinance, which notice shall be in accord with the requirements specified in Elections
Code 10403.5(e).
SECTION 6. Effective Date; Operative Date.
This Ordinance relates to an election and shall therefore become effective
immediately after introduction, reading and adoption by the City Council in accord with
California Elections Code Sections 9235(a) and Government Code Section 36937. This
Ordinance shall become operative pursuant to Elections Code section 1301(b)I1) upon
approval by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and will be implemented at
the statewide general election held in November of 2018.
SECTION 7. Severability.
If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause of phrase in
this Ordinance, or any part thereof, is held invalid or unconstitutional, such decision
shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections or portions of this chapter or part
thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section,
subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subdivisions, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses or phrases may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
ADOPTED, SIGNED AND APPROVED this day of , 2016.
ATTEST:
Teri Takaoka, Deputy City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
Ken Dyda, Mayor
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
09999.0003/319449.1 A-3
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES)
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
I, , duly elected City clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, California,
do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance Number introduced at a regular
meeting thereof held on the day of , 2016 and adopted by the City Council
of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes at a regular meeting thereof held on the day of
2016, by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Teri Takaoka, Deputy City Clerk
09999.0003/319449.1 A_4
ORDINANCE NUMBER
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
CHAPTER 2.28 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE, REQUIRING THAT THE GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES BE HELD ON THE FIRST TUESDAY
AFTER THE FIRST MONDAY OF NOVEMBER IN EACH
EVEN -NUMBERED YEAR BEGINNING 2020
WHEREAS, many studies have shown that voter participation in local elections
dramatically improves when local elections are held on the same day as statewide
elections; and
WHEREAS, in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, voter turnout in local elections
which are now held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of odd
numbered years is dramatically reduced from voter turnout in statewide general
elections held in June or November of even numbered years; and
WHEREAS, the California State Legislature has enacted SB 415 which takes
effect in 2018 and mandates changing local election dates to statewide general election
dates in communities where voter turnout for local elections is at least 25% less than
voter turnout in statewide elections; and
WHEREAS, in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, the difference in voter turnout
for the November local election held in odd numbered years is significantly lower than
the turnout for statewide general elections held in even numbered years exceeding the
25% deviation set forth on SB 415; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of Elections Code 1301(b)(1), cities are
authorized to change the date of their general municipal elections to coincide with the
day of the statewide general election; and
WHEREAS, in order to pro -actively encourage and promote greater voter turnout
in local elections the City of Rancho Palos Verdes wishes to take the lead among
California cities by voluntarily moving its general municipal election date to the
statewide election date; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that its goals of encouraging
maximum voter turnout and community participation in the democratic electoral process
will be promoted by changing the general municipal election date of the City from the
first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in each odd -numbered year to the first
Tuesday after the first Monday of November in even numbered years, to coincide with
the statewide general election as set forth in California Elections Code §1000 ; and
09999.0003/319437.1 A-5
WHEREAS, if approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, this
change will not have the effect of reducing or extending any term of office by more than
twelve months.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes general municipal election
scheduled to be held in November 2019 shall be rescheduled and instead shall be
consolidated and held concurrently with the general statewide election in November of
2020 and the City's general municipal election schedule shall thereafter be held in
November in each even numbered year to coincide with regular statewide general
elections. Accordingly, commencing with the general municipal election in November
2020, the general municipal elections for the City shall be held on the first Tuesday after
the first Monday of November in each even -numbered year.
SECTION 2. Chapter 2.28 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code is
hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 2.28 - ELECTION DATE
Sections:
2.28.010 - Election date designated.
The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even -numbered
year is established as the date for the general municipal election in the city.
2.28.020 - Extension of terms.
Those terms of office that would have expired in November 2021, shall be expire
no later than the fourth Tuesday after the general municipal election in November
of 2020 and those terms of office that would have expired in November of 2023,
shall expire until no later than the fourth Tuesday after the November general
municipal election in 2022. The effect of this change of election date shall not
extend or shorten any term of office by more than 12 months.
2.28.030 - Consolidation.
An election held pursuant to this chapter is intended to occur on the same date
as the regular statewide general election held in November of even -numbered
years and shall be consolidated with that election. The provisions contained in
the Elections Code pertaining to the conduct of elections shall apply."
SECTION 3. Certification.
The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance by the
City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and shall cause a summary of this
Ordinance to be published in accordance with Government Code Section 36933.
09999.0003/319437.1 A-6
SECTION 4. Transmittal to Board of Supervisors.
The City Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this Ordinance to the Clerk
of the Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County, together with the request that said
Board approve this Ordinance and provide the City with notice of such approval.
SECTION 5. Notice to Registered Voters.
Within thirty (30) days after approval of this Ordinance by the Board of
Supervisors of Los Angeles County, the City Clerk shall cause a notice to be mailed to
all registered voters in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes informing them of the change in
the general municipal election date and council members terms affected by this
Ordinance, which notice shall be in accord with the requirements specified in Elections
Code 10403.5(e).
SECTION 6. Effective Date; Operative Date.
This Ordinance relates to an election and shall therefore become effective
immediately after introduction, reading and adoption by the City Council in accord with
California Elections Code Sections 9235(a) and Government Code Section 36937. This
Ordinance shall become operative pursuant to Elections Code section 1301(b)ll) upon
approval by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and will be implemented at
the statewide general election held in November of 2020.
SECTION 7. Severability.
If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause of phrase in
this Ordinance, or any part thereof, is held invalid or unconstitutional, such decision
shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections or portions of this chapter or part
thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section,
subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subdivisions, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses or phrases may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
ADOPTED, SIGNED AND APPROVED this day of , 2016.
ATTEST:
Teri Takaoka, Deputy City Clerk
Ken Dyda, Mayor
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
09999.0003/319437.1 7
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES)
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
I, , duly elected City clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, California,
do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance Number introduced at a regular
meeting thereof held on the day of , 2016 and adopted by the City Council
of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes at a regular meeting thereof held on the day of
, 2016, by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Teri Takaoka, Deputy City Clerk
09999.0003/319437.1 8
ATTACHMENT B
TEXT OF ELECTIONS CODE SECTIONS 14050-14057 (SB 415)
CHAPTER 1.7. Voter Participation
14050.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the California Voter Participation Rights Act.
14051.
As used in this chapter:
(a) "Political subdivision" means a geographic area of representation created for the provision of
government services, including, but not limited to, a city, a school district, a community college
district, or other district organized pursuant to state law.
(b) "Significant decrease in voter turnout" means the voter turnout for a regularly scheduled
election in a political subdivision is at least 25 percent less than the average voter turnout within
that political subdivision for the previous four statewide general elections.
(c) "Voter turnout" means the percentage of voters who are eligible to cast ballots within a given
political subdivision who voted.
14052.
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a political subdivision shall not hold an election other
than on a statewide election date if holding an election on a nonconcurrent date has previously
resulted in a significant decrease in voter turnout.
(b) A political subdivision may hold an election other than on a statewide election date if, by
January 1, 2018, the political subdivision has adopted a plan to consolidate a future election with
a statewide election not later than the November 8, 2022, statewide general election.
14053.
Upon a finding of a violation of subdivision (a) of Section 14052, the court shall implement
appropriate remedies, including the imposition of concurrent election dates for future elections
and the upgrade of voting equipment or systems to do so. In imposing remedies pursuant to this
section, a court may also require a county board of supervisors to approve consolidation pursuant
to Section 10402.5.
14054.
In an action to enforce subdivision (a) of Section 14052, the court shall allow the prevailing
plaintiff other than the state or political subdivision of the state, a reasonable attorney's fee
consistent with the standards established in Serrano v. Priest (1977) 20 Cal.3d 25, 48-49, and
litigation expenses including, but not limited to, expert witness fees and expenses as part of the
costs. A prevailing defendant shall not recover any costs, unless the court finds the action to be
frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation.
14055.
A voter who resides in a political subdivision where a violation of subdivision (a) of Section
14052 is alleged may file an action pursuant to that section in the superior court of the county in
which the political subdivision is located.
14056.
This chapter does not apply to special elections.
14057.
This chapter shall become operative on January 1, 2018.
09999.0003/319456.1
B-1
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
DEAN C. LOGAN
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
October 12, 2016
Teri Takaoka, Acting City Clerk
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
ESTIMATED COST FOR THE NOVEMBER 6, 2018 GENERAL ELECTION
Dear Ms. Takaoka:
As requested, the estimated cost for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to participate in the
November 6, 2018 General Election with two offices is $47,000.
Please note that this communication is strictly an estimate and is not a consent or
agreement to hold, consolidate, or provide support services for an election. Election
requests submitted to the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk and/or the County of Los
Angeles, especially those indicating interest in even year consolidation, will be
considered by the Board of Supervisors (Board) at the appropriate time. The Board
Policy is enclosed for your reference.
If you have any questions regarding this estimate, please contact Bernice Liang of my staff at
(562) 462-2690.
Sincerely,
DEAN C. LOGAN
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
ANN SMITH, Manager
Fiscal Operations
Enclosure
C-1
ilpf AV10% cook
MR VISOX M
J.J(yhMNMJ Exhibit
Rolwy if: Title: Effective Date:
3.170 Consolidation of Elections 09/01/15
PURPOSE
Establishes a policy regarding election consolidation to direct the Registrar-
Recorder/County Clerk to provide an enhanced evaluation for the Board of Supervisors to
consider when it receives requests for consolidation with statewide elections, which may
include requests for election date changes.
REFERENCE
November 12, 1981 — Board Order 105
May 26, 2015 — RR/CC Report: Proposed Revision to Board's Current Policy Regarding
Election Consolidation with Statewide Primary or General Election Cycles
September 1, 2015 — Board Order #
POLICY
If the Board of Supervisors receives a request from a jurisdiction to consolidate its election
with the Statewide Primary or General Election Cycles or to change its election date to
coincide with the Statewide Primary or General Election Cycles, then the Registrar-
Recorder/County Clerk will take the following actions:
HOAR 1847011
C-2
I, Conduct a data -driven assessment of requests for consolidation with statewide
elections on a case-by-case basis. fhe criteria for the analysis shall include information
which will allow the Board of Supervisors to approve or deny the request consistent with
the Elections Code. The information may include, but is not limited to, a jurisdiction's
unique circumstances (e.g. CVRA/California Voting Rights Act judgments/settlements,
consolidation of or with adjacent districts/jurisdictions, projection of increased voter
participation, etc.) as well as current and future potential impacts and risks to the ballot
and voting system capacity in affected areas;
2. Based on this assessment, make a recommendation that may include approval of such
requests when the ballot style, voting equipment, or computer capacity can handle the
additional elections or materials, and on the condition that the consolidated election is
able to be conducted in a uniform manner consistent with State law and relevant
County election procedures and practices.
After considering the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's recommendation and supporting
documents, the Board of Supervisors shall approve the request for election consolidation or for
an election date change to facilitate consolidation, consistent with the California Elections
Code, unless it finds that the ballot style, voting equipment, or computer capacity is such that
additional elections or materials cannot be handled.
RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
DATE ISSUED/SUNSET DATE
Issue Date: Septen-iber 1, 2015 Sunset Date= September 1, 2020
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