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Commission proposes 45-day notice requirement for special elections; members caution about statutory limits
Summary
The commission discussed adding a 45-day advance-notice requirement for special elections called under the charter, aiming to ensure residents know about off-cycle ballots; members noted state board-of-elections rules and the practical limits they impose.
The Charter Review Commission voted to recommend adding a 45‑day public-notice requirement for special elections held under the city charter. The proposed language would read that special elections "shall require 45 days notice to the residents" and may be held on any date, including primary and general election dates.
Commissioners said the change would prevent surprise off-cycle elections that attract small turnout, citing a nearby jurisdiction that scheduled an August election that drew few voters. At least one commissioner noted that the county board of elections’ timelines (e.g., 75‑day deadlines to place measures on a ballot) are separate statutory requirements and that a city cannot override the board’s administrative deadlines.
Next steps: The commission approved adding the notice language to its report for council, and members recommended coordination with the county board of elections to ensure proposed charter language aligns with statutory ballot-placement requirements.
