Clerk to apply checklist when qualifying candidates, retain copies of proofs

The Charter Revision Board discussed whether the City Clerk’s office should use the objective indicia recommended for candidate residency determinations as a simple, ministerial checklist when candidates file qualification documents.

David, the city clerk, said the clerk’s office already maintains a filing checklist and can add the new items proposed by staff. Under the approach endorsed by the board, the clerk would perform a facial review of submitted documents at the time a candidate qualifies. If the filing package included the requisite number of documentary indicia (the board directed five), the clerk would certify the candidate’s qualification and attach copies of the documents to the application record. A candidate who did not satisfy the checklist would be able to submit additional proof or seek judicial review after an administrative determination.

The board asked staff to draft clear process language for Section 3.04 to reflect this ministerial checklist and to specify retention and online publication of the qualification packet so that records are available for public review.

Why it matters: Making the clerk’s checklist the first line of review aims to provide an objective, expedient qualification process and reduce the frequency of post-election eligibility disputes that require litigation. The clerk emphasized that any contested determination could be litigated and that the checklist function is a ministerial, facial review rather than a forensic or discretionary investigation.

What happens next: Staff will prepare proposed charter language and procedural implementation details for the board to review at the next meeting, including whether copies of documents will be posted publicly and the retention period for records.