Stand-Alone Election

The General Municipal Election to be held on November 6, 2007, will be a “stand-alone” election held by the City of Santa Barbara’s City Clerk’s Office.  Our goal is to maintain the same level of service provided to the community as in past years and to promote the importance of voting. Please watch for future mailings regarding the election, including the absentee voter ballot and sample ballot (if applicable).  Please review the important dates listed below.  If you have any questions regarding this year’s election, please feel free to contact the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 564-5309.  Thank you for your continued involvement in matters related to our community.

History

Due to the increased expenses charged by the County to hold the City’s elections, staff researched the possibility of the City’s conducting its own election and the cost that would be incurred. Estimates indicate that the City could save nearly 50% if it were to run its own election. These figures, as well as a staff report, were presented to the Council at a work session held on January 29, 2007. At that time, Council requested that staff research the issue further and return to Council at a later date in order to answer Councilmembers’ questions and to present a more detailed report.

After presenting the report to the City Council on April 24, 2007, the City Council voted unanimously in support of the City holding its first stand-alone election on November 6, 2007. A proposed charter amendment to change elections from odd- to even-numbered years was also presented to and approved by the Council, and will be voted on by the people. The charter amendment, if passed, would decrease election costs to the City, since the City could participate in a consolidated election with other jurisdictions during even years.

The City Clerk’s Office is currently working with consultants and following a work plan in preparation for the election to be held in November. If you have any questions about the election, please call the City Clerk’s Office at 564-5309.