Agenda Item Wording:
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Adoption of resolutions relating to the regular municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Approval of Resolution 2022-31 requesting and consenting to consolidation of elections and specifications of the election order and approval of Resolution 2022-32 requesting the Tulare County Board of Supervisors authorize the County Registrar of Voters to render specific services to the City of Visalia. (Resolutions 2022-31 and 2022-32 required).
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Deadline for Action: 7/1/2022
Submitting Department: Administration
Contact Name and Phone Number: Michelle Nicholson, Chief Deputy City Clerk, michelle.nicholson@visalia.city <mailto:michelle.nicholson@visalia.city> , 713-4512; Leslie Caviglia, City Manager/City Clerk, leslie.caviglia@visalia.city <mailto:leslie.caviglia@visalia.city>, 713-4332.
Department Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Visalia City Council adopt Resolutions 2022-31 and 2022-32 authorizing the consolidation of the regular municipal election for Visalia City Council Districts 1, 3, 4, & 5 on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 with other elections to be held in and administered by the County of Tulare on that date, and request the Tulare County Board of Supervisors to authorize the County Registrar of Voters to conduct the election.
Background Discussion:
For many years, the City of Visalia has consolidated its municipal elections with other elections conducted by the County of Tulare and has asked the County Registrar of Voters to conduct the election on behalf of the City.
On May 18, 2015, the City Council adopted a plan that designates the elections for City Council Members representing Districts 1 and 2 to be held in 2016 and every four years thereafter.
Following that pattern, the 2022 election will automatically include District 3, 4 and 5.
District 1 is being included due to the untimely death in 2021 of the Council Member elected in 2020 to represent District 1. State law requires that if a mid-term vacancy is filled by appointment, the appointee serves until the next general election. As such, District 1 will be included in the 2022 election to elect a Council Member to complete the term, and again in 2024 when it would normally come up for election as part of the regular election cycle.
The Tulare County Office of the Registrar of Voters has done an efficient and effective job for the City of Visalia in previous elections. They have the appropriate equipment and systems in place. They accept the nomination papers, prepare and mail the ballots, set up and operate polling places, count the results and certify the election. By consolidating with other agencies holding elections on the same day, all agencies are able to share the costs and save money.
The November 2022 elections will be conducted under the direction of Michelle Baldwin, Tulare County Registrar of Voters.
The consolidation of the City's election with other elections conducted in the County of Tulare has resulted in tremendous cost savings for Visalia, has simplified the process for voters, and proven to be an effective and efficient process. In recent years, the County of Tulare has implemented automated voting equipment and processes which have increased the timeliness and accuracy of the elections process.
Fiscal Impact:
The County will invoice the City for the direct cost of the election. Since it is unknown how many other agencies will be conducting elections this November, the exact cost is unknown. Based on prior election history the estimated cost for Districts 1, 3, 4, and 5 is $3.00 to $3.50 per voter or approximately $174,060 to $203,071.
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: To direct the City Clerk to conduct an independent election (not recommended)
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
Approve Resolution 2022-31 requesting and consenting to consolidation of elections and setting specifications of the election order; and approve Resolution 2022-32 requesting the Tulare County Board of Supervisors permit the County Registrar of Voters to render specified election related services to the City of Visalia.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: Resolution 2022-31, Resolution 2022-32; 11.8.22 Election Calendar