Agenda Item Wording:
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2026 election consolidation authorization - Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-34 relating to the regular municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026; requesting and consenting to the consolidation of elections and setting specifications of the election order; and requesting the Tulare County Board of Supervisors to permit the County Registrar of Voters to render specified election-related services to the City of Visalia.
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Agenda Date: 06/01/2026
Prepared by: Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk reyna.rivera@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4512; Leslie B. Caviglia, City Manager, Leslie.caviglia@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4332
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-34 authorizing the consolidation of the regular municipal election for Visalia City Council Districts 3, 4 and 5 on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with other elections to be held in and administered by the County of Tulare, and request the Tulare County Board of Supervisors to authorize the County Registrar of Voters to conduct the election.
Summary:
The proposed resolution authorizes the consolidation of the City of Visalia’s regular municipal election with the County of Tulare’s November 3, 2026 election and requests election services from the Tulare County Registrar of Voters.
Background Discussion:
Historically, the City of Visalia has consolidated its municipal elections with elections conducted by the County of Tulare and has requested that the County Registrar of Voters administer the election on behalf of the City.
On May 18, 2015, the City Council adopted a district-based election plan establishing elections for City Council Members representing Districts 1 and 2 to be held in 2016 and every four years thereafter. Consistent with that election cycle, elections for Districts 3, 4, and 5 were held in 2022 and will continue every four years thereafter.
The Tulare County Office of the Registrar of Voters has effectively administered previous elections for the City of Visalia and has the appropriate equipment, staffing, and systems in place to conduct the election. The Registrar of Voters accepts nomination papers, prepares and mails ballots, establishes and operates polling locations and vote centers, tabulates election results, and certifies the election.
By consolidating with other agencies conducting elections on the same day, participating agencies are able to share costs and reduce election expenses. Consolidation also simplifies the voting process for residents and improves election administration efficiency.
The November 3, 2026 election will be conducted under the direction of the Tulare County Registrar of Voters.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: The County of Tulare will invoice the City for the direct cost of the election. Because the number of participating agencies is not yet known, the exact cost cannot be determined at this time. Based on prior election history the estimated cost for Districts 1, 3, 4, and 5 is $3.00 to $3.50 per voter. There are no annual maintenance or ongoing operating costs associated with this action.
Prior Council Action: On May 18, 2015, the City Council adopted a district-based election plan establishing election cycles.
Alternatives:
1. Direct the City Clerk to conduct an independent municipal election, which is not recommended due to increased administrative, financial costs and equipment and expertise required.
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
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I move to adopt Resolution No. 2026-34 requesting and consenting to the consolidation of elections and setting specifications of the election order and requesting the Tulare County Board of Supervisors to permit the County Registrar of Voters to render specified election-related services to the City of Visalia.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 08/07/2026
Attachments: Resolution No. 2026-34
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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