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City recorder outlines new candidate disclosure, ballot‑name and mail‑ballot rules
Summary
City election staff told councilors that recent state laws change candidate disclosures, ballot‑name procedures and the deadline rule for mail ballots ahead of the municipal filing period.
City election officials briefed the council on several legislative changes that will affect municipal candidate filing and voting procedures ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.
Conflicts disclosure (HB 504): Staff said House Bill 504 requires any candidate for municipal office to file a conflict‑of‑interest disclosure at the time of declaring candidacy. Incumbents running for the same office may instead certify that their previously filed disclosure is current rather than submitting a new full form. The recorder’s office said it has prepared a candidate version of the disclosure and a short certification form for incumbents.
Ballot name rules (Senate Bill 54): The recorder outlined new rules for how names appear on ballots: the default is a candidate’s legal first and last name. If a candidate uses a common derivative (for example, “David”/“Dave”) staff can process that without affidavit; but using a nickname or a middle name as the ballot name will require an affidavit from five non‑family witnesses confirming the candidate is generally known by that name. Staff advised candidates who anticipate a nonstandard ballot name to contact the recorder well before the filing deadline.
Mail‑in ballot receipt rule (HB 300): Staff said House Bill 300 removed the postmark rule for mail ballots in municipal elections and now requires that voted mail ballots be received by the election office by 8 p.m. on election day. The recorder’s office recommended voters either drop ballots in a city dropbox or mail them well in advance of election day to ensure receipt.
Filing window: Staff reminded council members that municipal candidate filing will open in the first five business days of June and that Friday, June 6, at 5 p.m. is the filing deadline for this cycle.
Ending: Council members asked staff to publicize the changes — particularly the mail‑ballot receipt rule — via utility billing inserts, social media and other voter outreach.
