Submitted by: Laura Reams
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Agenda Section: Consent
Item Title:
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Schedule Public Hearing for Hyattsville Charter Amendment Resolution 2021-01: Adjusting Date for Close of Candidate Registration
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move the Mayor and Council schedule a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 19 at 7:00 PM for Hyattsville Charter Amendment Resolution 2021-01, a resolution amending Article II of the City of Hyattsville’s Charter to adjust the date for the close of candidate registration to accommodate the required timeframe necessary to print and mail ballots to all registered voters.
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Summary Background:
The Board of Supervisors of Elections and Clerk’s office have been working with the City Attorney to review and make recommended changes to the City Charter and Code for an all Vote-by-Mail election in 2021. Council has previously approved legislation for several administrative changes and to designate the 2021 City election as an all Vote-by-Mail election.
During discussions with mail vendors, it came to light that the existing deadline for candidate registration, the 4th Friday in May did not allow enough time for ballot proofing and printing of 12,000 ballots for mailing in the prescribed time of 30-45 days prior to the election. Mail vendors estimate that ballot proofing and mailing will take approximately 10 business days with 3-4 days of ballots in transit to voters. Adjusting the close of registration for candidates to the second Friday in March will allow for the additional time needed. Candidate registration will open on February 1 and will be open for six (6) weeks which is in line with the timeframe for past City elections.
Charter Amendments require a Public Hearing which must be held 21 days after public notice of the hearing. The proposed timeline for adoption is listed under “Next Steps”.
This change will also require a corresponding change to the City Election Code. The Code change will also be reviewed during the Public Hearing.
Next Steps:
Timeline for Adoption
• December 21: Schedule Public Hearing for January 19, 2021.
• January 19: Public Hearing
• January 19: Adoption of the Charter Amendment Resolution
• March 10: Effective Date of the Charter Amendment Resolution
Fiscal Impact:
None.
City Administrator Comments:
Recommend support.
Community Engagement:
There will be a communications strategy planned for Vote-by-Mail to include all deadlines for candidates and voters.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 1 - Ensure Transparent and Accessible Governance
Legal Review Required?
Complete