RulesCommunications Highlights 2006 1005

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Return to Plurality Election, Issues with Runoff Elections Issues for Voters The first runoff election held by the City in February 2005 resulted in a 33% voter turnout (13,421 votes). Although this was a high percentage for a non -consolidated election, it was a much lower turnout than for the General Municipal Election held in November 2004, which was consolidated with the Statewide General/Presidential Election and yielded a 77% voter turnout (30,508 votes). It was noted by the successful candidate, District 4 Councilmember Joyce Starosciak, that she received fewer votes in winning the runoff election than she received in the general election. In July 2005, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2005-008, changing the City's General Municipal Election date from November to June of even -numbered years, to coincide with the Statewide Primary Election in June. This action was taken in order to allow both the General Municipal Election and the Runoff Election to be held in consolidation with the Statewide Primary and General Elections in June and November, respectively. This move will likely result in a much higher voter turnout for the upcoming November 2006 runoff election than the City had for the February 2005 runoff election. The runoff election system initially created some confusion for voters. However, fewer citizen inquiries have been received this election cycle, indicating that voters are becoming more accustomed to the runoff election process. Additionally, the change to the City's General Municipal Election date now means that voting on City candidates and measures is conducted on established election dates, rather than on dates when voters are not used to dealing with election matters. Issues for Candidates As difficult and time-consuming as it is to conduct an election campaign, runoff elections require candidates to conduct two separate campaigns in a relatively short time span. A candidate may spend twice the amount of time and raise twice the amount of money to win a majority election than it would take if only a plurality was required. Issues for the City The cost of the General Municipal Election in November 2004 was $35,313. Due to the timing of the first runoff election in February 2005, it was required to be conducted as a stand alone election. While less than the cost of a full precinct election, the all -mail ballot election cost the City $117,874. The combined cost for both elections was $153,187. For the 2006 election cycle, $110,000 has been budgeted for the general and runoff elections. In contrast, if the Mayor and Council were elected by a plurality rather than a majority, the cost of the 2004 election would have been the same as the cost of the November election, or $35,313, for a savings to the City of $117,874. The 2002 election did not require a runoff, and the cost to conduct that election was under $20,000.