REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Calling and Giving Notice of a Special Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 for a Vote on One Ballot Measure that, if Passed, Would Amend Sections 600, 700.1, and 700.2 of the Santa Clara City Charter; Requesting the Consolidation of the Special Municipal Election with the Statewide Direct Primary Election to be Held in Santa Clara County on June 7, 2022; Directing the City Attorney to Prepare the Impartial Analysis; and Setting Priorities for Ballot Arguments
Report
BACKGROUND
On April 21, 2021, the City entered into a Settlement Agreement as a result of California Voting Rights Act litigation (Yumori-Kaku, et al. v. City of Santa Clara (Santa Clara Superior Court Case No. 17CV319862) in which the City agreed to enact a resolution calling an election seeking voter approval of an amendment to the City Charter that shall require the election of all City Council members, except the Mayor, from single-member districts with a requirement that candidates reside within their respective districts in accordance with the Judgment.
At the May 4, 2021 Council Meeting the City Clerk and City Attorney introduced the options for the proposed ballot measure language which included establishing the six districts, creating a minimum 30-day residency requirement, and mandating the type of redistricting commission. While Council took action on the first two items, it decided to defer adding to the ballot measure the requirement of an independent redistricting commission to a later date. The Settlement Agreement requires the City submit a resolution or other subject legislation to place a charter amendment on the ballot that requires the election for all City Council members, except the Mayor, from single-member districts and does not preclude the City from amending the ballot measure to include additional amendments to the Charter, such as a redistricting commission.
On May 25, 2021, the City Council adopted ...
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