HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - MUNI ELECTION (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS
DATE: January 13, 1998
City Manager
Item to be pre:
SUBJECT: VOTER INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR THE APRIL, 1998 GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION
DEPARTMENT: City Manager
Authorize a Voter Incentive Program for the April, 1998 City Election.
As Council is aware, voter turnout in the City is quite low and totaled only 16.7 percent in the
April, 1996 election. Staff has identified several ways to encourage registered voters to cast
their vote either at a polling location or by mail. Council direction is requested on one aspect
of the planned voter outreach program.
Staff is considering enlisting the help of businesses throughout the City in a voter incentive
program wherein, after election day, the voter may turn in his or her ballot stub and obtain
something of value. This could be a free coke with the purchase of a sandwich, a free movie
ticket with the purchase of another ticket; basically a free (something of value) with the
purchase of (something of value), depending on the business.
Our City Attorney has researched this issue and has found nothing in the California State
Elections Code that would prohibit such a program. Further, the Secretary of State's office has
confirmed our Attorney's determination and has advised that the Federal Voting Rights Act
prohibits such a program but this does not apply to an election where no federal candidates are
on the ballot.
Staff is aware that such an incentive program would need to be designed so as not to give a real
or perceived advantage to any candidate. Our goal is to get the vote out, regardless of how
anyone votes.
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Agenda Item:=*-
Agenda Report
Page 2
1. Don't authorize a Voter Incentive Program for the April, 1998 City election.
2. Other Council direction.
This program could involve costs of up to $2,000 for advertising and printing. Funds totaling
$4,800 were budgeted for the Voter Outreach Program.
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