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October 31, 2023 Mayor Amezcua Members of the Santa Ana City Council City Hall Santa Ana, CA Dear Mayor Amezcua and Members of the Santa Ana City Council: I listened to and read the content associated with the current conflict over the legality of the recall election, which is still slated for November 14, 2023. 1 was astonished that through the entire discourse (written and oral), there was no mention of the undemocratic impact on those who have already cast their ballots. The authority to disqualify a ballot rest with the Registrar of Voters (ROV) and the Courts. Anyone who voted in 2000 and witnessed the process resulting in the election of former President Bush can certainly attest to the very diligent and at times challenging process a disputed election can bring. In as much there are significant technical deficiencies as the election currently stands, the Council should not disregard 5,000 voters of Ward 3 who want a recall election, as well as those who have already voted. Rather than wait for the courts to arrive at a decision, I would propose the following to ensure the election is operated fairly and correctly to all involved parties and maintains the integrity of our democracy: 1. Request the ROV to extend the election date to mid to late January 2024 2. The ROV should set a deadline for the Recall proponents to meet the legal threshold for valid signatures 3. The additional ballots (not previously distributed) should be distributed by the ROV as soon as the date is set by Council 4. If the Recall proponents are unable to meet the deadline or do not submit a sufficient number of valid signatures, then at that point the election should be cancelled. In effect, due process for the voters of Ward 3 must be the priority and preserved. Political decisions and all special and outside interests must be segregated from the discussion. Sincerely, Victor Mendez Ward 3