65A - RPT - REGARDING MEDICAL MARIJUANA INITIATIVE

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CHAPTER 6 ELECTION ISSUES This chapter will examine the timing and costs for holding an election on the Initiative measure, potential election costs associated with complying with the provisions of the Initiative in the future and the alternatives available to City Council for bringing the proposed land use initiative before the electorate. Timing and Costs for Conducting the Election on the Initiative Measure Pursuant to Charter §1201 the City of Santa Ana holds municipal elections in November of even numbered years, and they are conducted in accordance with the California Elections Code (Santa Ana Charter §1203). In the 1970's, the State Legislature authorized cities to consolidate their elections with counties as a means of conserving funds. The City of Santa Ana has chosen to consolidate the City of Santa Ana General Municipal Election with the County of Orange Statewide General Elections held in November of even numbered years. The City pays for a portion of the County's cost for conducting the election based on a percentage of its jurisdictional voters. The Orange County Registrar of Voters estimates that the cost for County services to conduct the election on this Initiative, consolidated with the County's general election on November 4, 2014, is approximately $150,000. These costs vary depending on the number of pages added to the sample ballot, the length of the proposed ordinance if it is to be included, and if there are arguments and rebuttals included. These costs do not include City-incurred costs such as publication of legal notices, the purchase of supplies, and general administration of the election. The expenses associated with placing this initiative measure on a future ballot have not been budgeted. Funds would need to be appropriated from the City's General Fund reserve to the City Clerk's Department budget to cover election-related expenses. 23 65A-29