Submitted by: Laura Reams
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Agenda Section: Consent
Item Title:
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Hyattsville Resolution 2020-09: Designating the 2021 City Election as a Vote-by-Mail Election
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council introduce and adopt Hyattsville Resolution 2020-09, a Resolution whereby the City Council declares the City's 2021 election to be a Vote-by-Mail election (INTRODUCTION & ADOPTION).
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Summary Background:
This resolution will formally designate the May 11, 2021 City Election as an all Vote-by-Mail election.
The resolution is part of several pieces of legislation enabling administrative and legislative changes to accommodate an all Vote-by-Mail election. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Supervisors of Elections recommends to Council that the May 2021 election be conducted by mail. There will be at least one polling center open on Election Day to serve voters who have a damaged or lost ballot, prefer to drop their ballot off in person, or need assistance in voting. The polling center will also process same day voter registrations. Additionally, there will be at least one ballot drop box available for voters. The Board of Elections and staff are currently working to identify and select election vendors.
The Council discussed the election legislation at the Council meetings of July 20 and October 19, 2020 and the Public Hearing of November 16, 2020.
Next Steps:
The Board of Supervisors of Elections and staff will proceed with the planning of the Vote-by-Mail election for May 11, 2020.
Fiscal Impact:
TBD - There is currently $55,000 budgeted for the 2021 Election. An all Vote-by-Mail election will likely require a budget amendment, related to infrastructure and increased communication costs. Staff and the Election Board are currently in the evaluation process for equipment and mailing vendors.
City Administrator Comments:
Recommend support.
Community Engagement:
There wi...
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