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Committee moves forward text to shift several city elections to even‑numbered years
Summary
A charter amendment to align mayor, sheriff, district attorney, city attorney and treasurer elections with even‑numbered statewide and presidential cycles advanced through the Rules Committee with technical edits; proponents cited increased turnout and cost savings while some called for careful planning around bond timing and special elections.
Supervisor Dean Preston introduced a charter amendment to move the election cycle for the mayor, sheriff, district attorney, city attorney and treasurer into even‑numbered years to increase voter turnout and reduce election costs. Preston and supporters cited studies and examples (Los Angeles and San Jose) showing substantially higher participation in even‑year elections and argued the change would particularly increase turnout among low‑income voters.
The measure also proposes a uniform signature threshold (2% of registered voters) for citizen initiative ordinances so that qualification remains roughly equivalent under different turnout levels.
Janice Levy of the Controller’s Office estimated net savings (after printing and ballot costs) associated with consolidating elections, while noting special elections could offset some savings. Public commenters included voices both supporting the turnout argument and others warning that fewer standing odd‑year elections reduce opportunities to place bond measures and complicate advance planning for revenue measures.
The committee adopted several technical amendments from the City Attorney and continued the item to the Rules Committee’s July 6 special meeting for finalization and additional technical clean‑up.
