Memorandum 15-163 Special Election Dates

Memorandum 15-163

TO:                       MAYOR WYTHE AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL

FROM:                 JO JOHNSON, MMC, CITY CLERK

                              KATIE KOESTER, CITY MANAGER

DATE:                  SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

SUBJECT:         SPECIAL ELECTION DATES

          In the event a special election is scheduled, here are possible dates:

Tuesday, November 3

Absentee voting open October 20 – November 3

This date will coincide with a run-off election if needed, incorporating the expense of a Special Election for the ballot measure(s) and a run-off. 

Tuesday, November 10

               Absentee voting open October 26 – November 10

Tuesday, November 17

Absentee voting open November 2 – November 17

               Tuesday, December 1

               Absentee voting open November 16 – December 1

Each year we budget for two elections in case there is a run-off or special election. An election costs about $6,000 and there are funds available in 2015 for another election.  

Another option is an election by mail, anticipated costs are $9,000. All 4,510 voters are mailed a ballot with instructions. Ballots must be mailed 22 days in advance of an election and are due in our office on the day of the election. An election by mail will require 60 days advance notice as we will need to purchase special envelopes and allow for shipping time.

The timing is very tight for a November 3rd election. The only option that could be put on the ballot for November 3rd is Ordinance 15-36 suspending HART because it has been introduced at tonight’s Council meeting. If the Council wants to consider other potential revenue options to put before the voters, a later date would need to be selected to give the Ordinance two readings.  Councilmember Lewis plans on introducing a seasonal sales tax increase at the next meeting. We will know by the next meeting whether or not a run-off election is necessary. It would be costly and difficult to ask the voters to come to the polls in close proximity. Whether or not there is a run-off election may influence the Council’s decision on when to hold a special election.

RECOMMENDATION:  

Postpone Resolution 15-086 to October 12 when Council will know if a run-off election is necessary on November 3.