The Santa Rosa City Council convened on September 9, 2025, to discuss potential changes to the voting process for electing the mayor and vice mayor, as well as filling council vacancies. The meeting highlighted a growing concern among council members about the clarity and efficiency of the current election procedures.

One of the primary discussions centered around the idea of implementing a process of elimination for voting, particularly when there are three or more candidates. Vice Mayor Alvarez suggested that each council member should cast a single vote for their preferred candidate, which could streamline the process and reduce the number of rounds needed to reach a decision. This proposal was met with mixed reactions, with some council members expressing concerns about the potential for inequity if a candidate could win with fewer overall votes.

Council Member McDonald proposed a variation of this idea, suggesting that the candidate with the most votes should automatically advance to the next round, while the two candidates with the lowest votes would face off in a runoff. This approach aims to simplify the decision-making process and ensure that the council can reach a conclusion more efficiently.

The council also discussed the importance of maintaining transparency in the voting process. Several members emphasized the need for clear rules that the public can easily understand, particularly to avoid confusion during elections. Council Member Fleming pointed out that the current system can sometimes feel convoluted, especially when multiple candidates are involved.

As the meeting progressed, the council members expressed a desire to standardize the voting process across different situations, including for council vacancies and appointments to boards and commissions. The consensus appeared to lean towards a more streamlined approach, with a focus on clarity and fairness.

In conclusion, the Santa Rosa City Council is moving towards refining its voting procedures to enhance transparency and efficiency. The proposed changes will be further developed and presented in October, with the aim of implementing a clearer process for electing the mayor, vice mayor, and filling council vacancies. This initiative reflects the council's commitment to improving governance and ensuring that the electoral process serves the interests of the community effectively.