This ordinance requires that the names of supporters and opponents of local ballot measures be included in the ballot statement, unless doing so would exceed six ballot cards for that election. It amends the Municipal Elections Code to enhance transparency for voters.
Ordinance amending the Municipal Elections Code to provide that the names of supporters and opponents of a local ballot measure submitted to the voters be listed in the ballot statement or question for each local measure, except when including such names will cause there to be more than six ballot cards for that election.
How it got here
This legislation originated from the need to amend the Municipal Elections Code in response to Assembly Bill 1416, which mandated the inclusion of supporters and opponents in ballot measures.
AB 1416 was approved, requiring that the names of supporters and opponents of local ballot measures be included in ballot statements, with an option for counties to opt out.
The Board passed Ordinance No. 178-23, opting out of the AB 1416 requirements for elections occurring in Fiscal Year 2023-24.
The Department of Elections requested the Board to amend the Municipal Elections Code to continue opting out of the AB 1416 requirements for future elections to avoid exceeding six ballot cards.
The Rules Committee recommended the proposed ordinance to amend the Municipal Elections Code to allow for continued opt-out provisions.
The Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance on first reading, allowing for the names of supporters and opponents to be excluded if it would cause the ballot to exceed six cards.
The ordinance was finally passed by the Board of Supervisors, officially amending the Municipal Elections Code.
The Mayor approved the ordinance, finalizing the amendments to the Municipal Elections Code.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
