Item 39 - Resolution for Ballot Measure for Noncitizen Voting

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Consider Whether to Adopt a Resolution to Place a Ballot Measure on the Ballot for the November 5, 2024 Municipal Election Concerning Amending the City Charter to Permit Voting by Noncitizen Residents in City Municipal Elections November 7, 2023 Page 3 3 8 5 6 On October 17, 2023, the documents were presented to the City Council and further direction was given to staff to modify the recitals in the Resolution, expand the original proposal from voting in city council and mayoral elections to all municipal elections, including elections on referenda, initiative, and ballot questions and prepare the text necessary to present the matter to the voters as an amendment to the City Charter. The Resolution before the City Council incorporates Council direction with the exception of a recital citing racism as the reason for citizen voting eligibility. The Council should also be aware that certain statements and facts included in the recitals that the Council directed to be added have not been independently verified. FISCAL IMPACT Estimated costs for a City General Municipal Election on November 5, 2024 are $279,085 - $327,742, as noted for the previous Council action calling the election for the submission of a ballot measure. The estimated cost to add an additional measure (3000 words and 2 pages) is $8,500. Sufficient funds to accommodate the 2024 General Municipal Election will be presented to City Council for consideration during the FY 2024/25 budget approval process. (Account No. 01107031 62300) If the measure is approved by the voters and challenged, estimated legal costs could exceed $500,000. Additional costs to implement the change to Charter Section 1203, if approved, are unknown at this time. EXHIBIT(S) 1. Proposed Resolution Submitted By: Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney Approved By: Steven A. Mendoza, Acting City Manager