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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-12 - AGENDA REPORTS - GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION NOV 3 2026O Agenda Item: 9 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA .` AGENDA REPORT CONSENT CALENDAR CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: DATE: May 12, 2026 SUBJECT: GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION - NOVEMBER 3, 2026 DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services PRESENTER: Melody Bartlette RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council: Adopt a resolution calling and giving notice of the General Municipal Election to be held November 3, 2026, and requesting consolidation with Los Angeles County's General Election. 2. Adopt a resolution for candidate statement regulations. 3. Authorize the City Manager to reimburse Los Angeles County for costs of services performed. BACKGROUND The procedures for conducting a General Municipal Election are established by state law. Pursuant to these requirements, the attached resolution calls and gives notice of a General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026, for the purpose of electing three City of Santa Clarita (City) Councilmembers for a term of four years each. As the result of a settlement agreement, on April 22, 2014, the City Council adopted Ordinance 14-03 moving the date of the City's General Municipal Election from April of even -numbered years to November of even -numbered years and requesting that the County of Los Angeles (County) approve consolidation with the Statewide General Election conducted by the County in November of even -numbered years. On March 24, 2015, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (BOS) approved the City's request. Therefore, whenever an election is called by the City, Section 10403 of the Elections Code requires that the City Council adopt and file a resolution requesting consolidation with the Statewide General Election, and file a copy of the resolution with the BOS and the County Elections Official (Los Angeles County Registrar - Page 1 Packet Pg. 97 O Recorder/County Clerk). Pursuant to a second settlement agreement, the City Council adopted Ordinance 23-4 on June 13, 2023, creating a by -district election system and dividing the City of Santa Clarita into five districts. The City continues to operate staggered elections, and regular elections continue to be consolidated with Statewide General Elections in November of even -numbered years to fill expired City Council terms. The City's first districted election was held on November 5, 2024, when Districts 1 and 3 seats were elected; therefore, three seats will be up for election on November 3, 2026: District 2, District 4, and District 5. In the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election, registered voters within District 2, District 4, and District 5 may cast one vote for an eligible candidate residing within their same district. Following the County's certification and the City Council's ratification of election results, expected in December 2026, the City will be fully districted. Candidates in the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election will file nomination papers with the Local Elections Official (City Clerk). The Candidate Filing Period will open on Monday, July 13, and close on Thursday, August 7. If an eligible incumbent whose term expires in 2026 does not file by this deadline, the filing period is extended until Thursday, August 12, when candidates, other than incumbents, may file within that district. The extension does not apply where there is no incumbent eligible to be elected. Section 13307 et seq. of the Elections Code sets out regulations for the preparation and form of candidate statements. As such, each candidate may prepare an optional candidate statement. This optional statement may be printed in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet for a fee as set by the County. This section of the Elections Code also authorizes the City Clerk to estimate the cost of candidate statements and require each candidate filing a statement to pay a deposit in advance for his or her pro-rata share as a condition of having the statement included in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet. Any overpayment shall be refunded within 30 days following the election. In the event of underpayment, the candidate will be billed for his or her pro-rata share of actual costs. The County -set fees were not available at the time of the posting of this agenda, but will be made available to candidates when pulling nomination papers. Based on the Election Cost Estimate Calculator provided by the Los Angeles County Registrar- Recorder/County Clerk, the estimated cost of services to be provided by the County for the consolidated election is $392,253.99 (as of April 20, 2026). The estimated cost is based on certain factors, including, but not limited to, the number of seats being voted upon, the number of measures, and the number of registered voters at the time of the election. This cost estimate includes three seats and no measures. Section 10262 requires that the County Elections Official conducting the election shall also conduct the canvass, and Section 15372 requires the Elections Official to prepare a certified statement of the results of the election and submit it to each jurisdiction within 30 days of the election. The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk is tentatively scheduled to certify the election results on December 3, 2026. The City Clerk shall certify the results to the City Council no later than the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting, or at a special meeting called for this purpose, to declare the results and to install the newly elected councilmembers. Page 2 Packet Pg. 98 O ALTERNATIVE ACTION No alternative actions have been identified by staff. FISCAL IMPACT Upon adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget, adequate funds will be appropriated to conduct the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election. ATTACHMENTS Resolution Calling the Election and Requesting Consolidation Resolution Adopting Regulations for Candidates Pertaining to Statements Page 3 Packet Pg. 99 9.a RESOLUTION NO. 26- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR AND REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO ORDER THE CONSOLIDATION OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR THE ELECTION OF THREE BY -DISTRICT CITY COUNCIL SEATS TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026, WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES THE SAME DAY; TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CANVASS THE RETURNS OF SAID GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION; AND TO REQUEST THAT THE REGISTRAR-RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK OF SAID COUNTY BE PERMITTED TO RENDER ELECTION SERVICES TO THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF SAID GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 10403 WHEREAS, under the provisions of the laws relating to general law cities in the State of California, a General Municipal Election shall be held on November 3, 2026, for the election of Municipal Officers in the City of Santa Clarita (City); and WHEREAS, a Statewide General Election to be held in the County of Los Angeles has been or will be called to be held on November 3, 2026; and WHEREAS, it is desired, pursuant to the authority found in California Elections Code section 10403, to consolidate said General Municipal Election with said Statewide General Election to be held in the County of Los Angeles (County). NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Pursuant to the requirements of the laws of the State of California relating to General Law Cities, there is called and ordered to be held in the City of Santa Clarita, California, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, a General Municipal Election for the purpose of electing one member of the City Council to District 2 for the full term of four years, one member of the City Council to District 4 for the full term of four years, and one member of the City Council to District 5 for the full term of four years. SECTION 2. The Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles is hereby respectfully requested to order the consolidation of said General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026, with the Statewide General Election to be held in the County of Los Angeles on November 3, 2026. SECTION 3. The Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles is hereby further respectfully requested to place upon the same ballot as that provided for said Statewide General Election to be held in the County of Los Angeles on November 3, 2026, the names of Page 1 of 3 Packet Pg. 100 9.a the candidates for three districted offices of Councilmember for full terms to be submitted to the electors of the City of Santa Clarita at said General Municipal Election. SECTION 4. The City of Santa Clarita acknowledges that the consolidated election will be held and conducted in the manner prescribed in Section 10418 of the California Elections Code. SECTION 5. The Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles is hereby authorized and respectfully requested to issue instructions to the County Election Department to take any and all steps necessary, with the exception of candidate filing services, for the holding of the consolidated election. SECTION 6. The Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles is hereby authorized and respectfully requested to authorize and permit the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk of the County of Los Angeles to: a) Print and supply ballots for said City of Santa Clarita General Municipal Election; b) Mail the City's sample ballots and candidate statements of qualifications to the electors of the City of Santa Clarita as part of the same material that will be mailed to the voters of the Statewide General Election to be held in the County of Los Angeles; c) Perform such other services as may be required for the consolidation and conduct of said City of Santa Clarita General Municipal Election with said Statewide General Election to be held in the County of Los Angeles. SECTION 7. The Vote Centers for the election shall be open as required during the identified voting period pursuant to California Elections Code sections 4005 and 14401. SECTION 8. The City shall reimburse the County of Los Angeles in full for the services performed on behalf of the City upon the presentation of a bill by the County. SECTION 9. The City Clerk is hereby directed to deliver a certified copy of this resolution to the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles and to transmit an electronic copy to the Board of Supervisors and the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk of the County of Los Angeles. SECTION 10. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 12th day of May 2026. Page 2 of 3 Packet Pg. 101 9.a STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK DATE: I, Melody Bartlette, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution 26- was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 12th day of May 2026, by the following vote: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CITY CLERK Page 3 of 3 Packet Pg. 102 9.b RESOLUTION NO. 26- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATE STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026 WHEREAS, Section 13307 of the Elections Code of the State of California provides that the governing body of any local agency shall adopt regulations pertaining to material prepared by any candidate for a municipal election, including costs of the optional candidate statement. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. That pursuant to Section 13307 of the Elections Code of the State of California, each candidate for elective office to be voted for at an election to be held in the City of Santa Clarita (City) on November 3, 2026, may prepare a candidate's statement in the form and format designated by the Local Elections Official/City Clerk. For candidates submitting the optional candidate statement, the following applies: A. The statement may include the name, age, occupation of the candidate, and a brief description of no more than 200 words of the candidate's education and qualifications, expressed by the candidate themselves. B. The statement shall not include party affiliation of the candidate, nor membership or activity in partisan political organizations. C. The statement shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk/Local Elections Official at the time the candidate nomination papers are filed. D. Except as provided for in Section 13309, the candidate statement cannot be changed or revised once filed; a candidate statement may be withdrawn by 5 p.m. of the next business day after the last day to file the statement. SECTION 2. LANGUAGE POLICY. Pursuant to Elections Code sections 13307 and 14201 and Federal Voting Rights Act provisions, the County of Los Angeles (County) will translate and make available candidate statements in all languages as required. A. The County will print English or English and Spanish language candidate statements in the English language version of the Official Sample Ballot Booklet at a candidate's request and the candidate's own expense. B. The County will mail separate voter information guides and candidates' statements to only those voters who are on the County voter file as having requested a voter information guide in a particular language. Page 1 of 3 Packet Pg. 103 9.b SECTION 3. CANDIDATE FEES AND PAYMENT. The City Clerk shall estimate the total cost of the candidates' statements filed pursuant to Section 13307 of the Elections Code, including costs incurred as a result of complying with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (as amended), and require each candidate filing a statement to pay in advance to the City his or her estimated pro rata share as a condition of having his or her statement included in the Official Sample Ballot. The estimated fee is an approximation of the actual cost that varies from one election to another and may be significantly more or less than the estimate, depending on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the actual number of candidates filing statements, registered voters, language choices, and formatting. Accordingly, the City Clerk is not bound by the estimate and may, on a pro rata basis, bill the candidate for additional actual expense or refund any excess paid, depending on the final actual cost. In the event of underpayment, the City Clerk shall invoice the candidate for the balance of the cost incurred. In the event of overpayment, the City Clerk shall process a refund of the excess amount paid upon receipt of the County of Los Angeles invoice. A. Translations: 1. The candidate shall not be required to pay for the cost of translating the candidate's statement into any required language as specified in Section 2 above pursuant to federal and/or state law. 2. The candidate shall be required to pay for the cost of translating the candidate's statement into any language that is not required as specified in Section 2 above, pursuant to federal and/or state law, but is requested as an option by the candidate. B. Printing: 1. The candidate shall be required to pay for the cost of printing the candidate's statement in English in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet. 2. The candidate shall be required to pay for the cost of printing the candidate's statement in Spanish in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet. C. Publishing: 1. Candidates who choose to print a statement in the Official Sample Ballot will have their statements published on the Los Angeles County lavote.net website. 2. Candidates may elect online publishing exclusively, at a fee set by the Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder County Clerk. SECTION 4. MISCELLANEOUS. The City Clerk shall comply with all recommendations and standards set forth by the California Secretary of State regarding ballot designations and other matters relating to elections. Page 2 of 3 Packet Pg. 104 9.b SECTION 5. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS. No candidate will be permitted to include additional material in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet. SECTION 6. That the City Clerk shall provide each candidate or the candidate's representative a copy of this resolution at the time nominating petitions are issued. SECTION 7. That this resolution shall apply only to the election to be held on November 3, 2026, and then shall be of no further force and effect. SECTION 8. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 12th day of May 2026. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK DATE: STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Melody Bartlette, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 26- was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 121h day of May 2026, by the following vote AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Page 3 of 3 CITY CLERK Packet Pg. 105