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Sunnyvale board weighs lowering barrier to run by covering half of candidate-statement costs
Summary
Trustees debated changing bylaws so the district pays 50% of candidate-statement printing and distribution costs up front (rather than reimbursing), asked staff to survey neighboring districts, and asked the Registrar of Voters about logistical options.
Board members reviewed proposed language to update the district’s governing-bylaw provision on election candidate-statement reimbursement and discussed options to reduce upfront costs for prospective candidates.
The draft language would have the district reimburse 50% of printing, handling, translation and distribution costs for candidate statements filed under the elections code, though members debated whether that should be an automatic up-front payment coordinated with the Registrar of Voters (ROV) or a flat cap (several trustees suggested a $1,000 maximum). One trustee noted the current expense: “$2,082.50,” and several members said that having to front the entire cost deters potential candidates.
Trustees asked staff to contact neighboring districts and the ROV to determine which jurisdictions currently have the ROV front costs and to return options for the board to consider at the January meeting. No change to the bylaw language was adopted tonight; the item will return with staff recommendations.
