Submitted by: Laura Reams
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Agenda Section: Discussion
Item Title:
title
Public Hearing: Hyattsville Charter Amendment Resolution 2021-01: Close of Candidate Registration
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
For discussion and public input.
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Summary Background:
Over the last several months, the Board of Supervisors of Elections and the City Clerk's office have worked 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. These changes have included various administrative and procedural updates to allow for an all Vote-by-Mail election, a Charter Amendment adjusting the day of Election and the process by which the Council President and Vice President are elected, and in December, a resolution formally designating the 2021 election as Vote-by-Mail.
Staff and the Board of Supervisors of Elections have proceeded with preparations for the 2021 election including the procurement of a print and mail vendor for Vote-by-Mail ballot packets. In discussions with vendors, it quickly became apparent that the existing time frame in the City Charter and Code from the close of candidate registration (last Friday in March) to when ballots were required to be printed and mailed (30-45 days prior to election day) was too short.
Procedurally, after the close of the candidate registration deadline there is a withdrawal deadline the following Monday. After the withdrawal deadline passes, the candidates are certified by the Board of Supervisors of Elections. After certification, the Board must proof and approve election ballots. This process can take 2-3 business days. Upon approval of the ballots, they are then sent for printing and mailing. For a traditional election, this timeframe is tight but adequate. For a Vote-by-Mail election which requires ballots to be mailed to all registered voters 30-45 days in advance, the timing is inadequate.
The City's selecte...
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