HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2019-65Sponsored by: Council Member Peterkin
and Mayor Gabriel
CITY OF KENAI
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-65
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, ADOPTING JOINT
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-001 OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
AND COUNCILS OF THE CITIES OF HOMER, KACHEMAK, KENAI, SELDOVIA, SEWARD,
AND SOLDOTNA, RECOGNIZING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE KENAI PENINSULA
BOROUGH'S ELECTION STAKEHOLDERS GROUP AND DIRECTING STAFF TO EXPLORE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS.
WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly established the Election Stakeholders Group
("ESG") through the direction and adoption of Resolution 2019-006, which included community
members and members from many local governments in the borough, researched ways to
increase voter participation by developing sustainable election processes that maximize
accessibility and inclusivity; and,
WHEREAS, after holding many public meetings throughout 2019 the ESG issued a final report
with six specific recommendations regarding potential changes to borough code and election
processes which are intended to achieve guiding principles initially adopted by the ESG; and,
WHEREAS, Joint Resolution 2019-001 details the efforts of the ESG, recognizes its
recommendations, and directs staff to explore implementation of the recommendations; and,
WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly adopted Joint Resolution 2019-001 at their
September 3, 2019 Assembly Meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Seldovia adopted Joint Resolution 2019-001 at their
September 9, 2019 Council Meeting and the Council of the City of Soldotna adopted Joint
Resolution 2019-001 at their September 12, 2019 Council Meeting.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA
Section 1. That the Kenai City Council adopts Joint Resolution 2019-001.
Section 2. That the Mayor of the City of Kenai is hereby authorized to sign Joint Resolution
2019-001, recognizing the recommendations of the Kenai Peninsula Borough's
Election Stakeholders Group and supporting the City Clerk's exploration of
implementation of those recommendations.
Section 3. That this resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption
Resolution No. 2019-65
Page 2 of 2
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this 18th day of September,
2019.
ATTEST:
< U
BRIAN GABRIEL, SR., MAYOR
Heinz, CMC, CiCy Clerk
V'
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
CITY OF HOMER
CITY OF KACHEMAK
CITY OF KENAI
CITY OF SELDOVIA
CITY OF SEWARD
CITY OF SOLDOTNA
JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2019-001
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA
BOROUGH AND COUNCILS OF THE CITIES OF HOMER, KACHEMAK, KENAI,
SELDOVIA, SEWARD AND SOLDOTNA, RECOGNIZING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF
THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH'S ELECTION STAKEHOLDERS GROUP AND
DIRECTING STAFF TO EXPLORE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS
WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly established the Election Stakeholder Group
("ESG") through the direction and adoption of Kenai Peninsula Borough ("KPB")
Resolution 2019-006; and
WHEREAS, the ESG was tasked with researching ways to increase voter participation by developing
sustainable election processes that maximize accessibility and inclusivity; and
WHEREAS, the ESG was comprised of assembly members, city council members, city managers, a
representative from the KPB mayor's office and community members with a specific
interest in the electoral process; and
WHEREASy the ESG was supported by the borough and city clerks as well representatives from the
KPB Legal Department, Information Technology Department, and the Geographical
Information Division; and
WHEREAS, the ESG adopted guiding principles to focus and guide its work, including: maximizing
accessibility and inclusivity of borough elections; improving voter satisfaction and
confidence; making efficient use of public resources; ensuring electing security and
integrity; and, improving voter outreach and coordination with all stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, the ESG, as detailed in its final report, made six specific recommendations regarding
potential changes to KPB code and election processes which are supported by, and
intended to achieve, the stated guiding principles; and
WHEREAS, the ESG chair and vice -chair presented the attached final report and recommendations to
the KPB assembly on August 20, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the ESG recommends that the KPB seek support from and partnership with the cities
within the borough to administer all future local elections consistent with the vote by mail
hybrid structure; and
WHEREAS, the ESG recommends that the KPB explore cost sharing with the cities within the KPB
for the purchase and maintenance of election equipment; and
Joint Resolution No. 2019-001
Page 1 of 4
WHEREAS, in order to fully educate voters and the public on a new process, the ESG recommends the
KPB and community partners conduct an extensive and comprehensive
communication/education plan; and
WHEREAS, the ESG further recommends collaboration between the KPB and the cities within the
KPB to develop legislation and administrative practices for the administration of local
elections that are consistent with KPB processes, and make efficient use of government
resources;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
ASSEMBLY AND THE COUNCILS OF THE CITIES OF HOMER, KACHEMAK, KENAI,
SELDOVIA, SEWARD AND SOLDOTNA:
SECTION 1. That the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly and the city councils for the Cities of Homer,
Kachemak, Kenai, Seldovia, Seward and Soldotna recognize the recommendations of the
2019 Election Stakeholders Group.
SECTION 2. That the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly and the city councils for the Cities of Homer,
Kachemak, Kenai, Seldovia, Seward and Soldotna support the KPB clerk and the city
clerks as they continue to explore vote by mail elections with a goal to implement the first
by mail election in October of 2020 as a strategy to increase voter turnout, thus
empowering KPB and city residents with a stronger voice in the democratic process and
in the decisions that directly impact their lives.
SECTION 3. That this resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption of the Kenai Peninsula
Borough Assembly and the city councils within the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
APPROVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH THIS THIS 3RD
DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2019.
ale ssem ly Pre ' ent
ATTEST: �` QF,,..• yp
Joh i Blankenship, MMC, Borough Cler 7:i ZZ
—
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FWMER THIS DAY OF
2019.
Ken Castner, Mayor
ATTEST:
Melissa Jacobsen, MMC, City Clerk
Joint Resolution No. 2019-001
Page 2 of 4
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KACHEMAK THIS DAY OF
2019.
William Overway, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erika Fitzpatrick, City Clerk
PROVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI THIS THIS IP DAY OF
2019.
ian Gabriel, Mayor
ATTEST:
O
CMC, City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE
, 2019.
ATTEST:
Heidi Geagel, City Clerk
THIS THIS _ DAY OF
Dean Lent, Mayor
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD THIS THIS DAY OF
2019.
ATTEST:
Brenda Ballou, MMC, City Clerk
David Squires, Mayor
Joint Resolution No. 2019-001
Page 3 of 4
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLDOTNA THIS THIS _ DAY OF _
, 2019.
Nels Anderson, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michelle M. Saner, MMC, City Clerk
Joint Resolution No. 2019-001
Page 4 of 4
MEMORANDUM
11111a�e witk a fast (iitrwit! a Ftu�e
210 Fidalgo Ave, Kenai, Alaska 99611-7794
Telephone: (907) 283-7535 1 Fax: (907) 283-3014
www. kenai.city
TO:
Mayor Brian Gabriel and Kenai City Council
FROM:
Council Member Peterkin
DATE:
September 9, 2019
SUBJECT:
Resolution No. 2019-65
The Election Stakeholder Group, established by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, was
tasked with researching ways to increase voter participation by developing sustainable election
processes that maximize accessibility and inclusivity. Along with assembly members, other city
council members, city managers, a representative from the Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor's
office, and community members with specific interest in the electoral process, Mayor Gabriel, City
Manager Paul Ostrander, City Clerk Jamie Heinz, and I participated in the meetings in which we
adopted guiding principles including, maximizing accessibility and inclusivity of borough elections,
improving voter satisfaction and confidence, making efficient use of public resources, ensuring
election security and integrity, and improving voter outreach and coordination.
The Election Stakeholder Group ultimately adopted the attached final report with six
recommendations regarding potential changes to the Kenai Peninsula Borough code and election
processes which are supported by, and intended to achieve, our guiding principles. The Election
Stakeholder Group Chair presented the final report and recommendations to the Kenai Peninsula
Borough Assembly on August 20, 2019 and the group recommends that the borough seek support
from and partnership with the cities within the borough to administer all future local elections
consistent with the vote by mail hybrid structure to include cost sharing purchase and
maintenance of election equipment, voter education, and development of legislation and
administrative practices for the administration of local elections.
Your consideration is appreciated.
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Election Stakeholders Group
Final Report and Recommendations
(Unanimously Approved July 26, 2019)
Committee Members: Donna Aderhold, Brenda Ahlberg, Teri Birchfield, Cassidi
Cameron, John Coleberg, Tyson Cox, Sammy Crawford, Linda Cusack, Willy
Dunne, Joyanna Geisler, Brent Hibbert, Sue McClure, Scott Meszaros, Paul
Ostrander, Robert Peterkin, and Stephanie Queen
Alternate Members: Brian Gabriel, Vivian Rojas, and Kaitlin Vadla
Subject Matter Experts: Brenda Ballou, Johni Blankenship, Heidi Geagel, Erica
Fitzpatrick, Ben Hanson, Jamie Heinz, Melissa Jacobsen, Sean Kelley, Bobbi Lay,
Holly Montague, and Shellie Saner
Support Staff: Michele Turner
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Election Stakeholders Group
Final Report and Recommendations
)Unanimously Approved July 26, 2019)
Table of Contents
PURPOSE.............................................................................................................................3
GUIDING PRINCIPLES.........................................................................................................4
1.) Maximize Accessibility and Inclusivity...................................................................4
2.) Efficiency and Conservation of Public Resources..............................................4
3.) Voter Satisfaction and Confidence......................................................................4
4.) Longevity in the Solution.........................................................................................4
5.) Coordination and Collaboration..........................................................................5
6.) Security and Integrity..............................................................................................5
7.) Voter Outreach........................................................................................................5
8.) Continuity of Operations / Contingency Disaster Plan......................................5
RECOMMENDATIONS....................................................................................................... 6
Recommendation # 1 - Vote by Mail Hybrid: ........................................................... 6
Recommendation #2 - Education and Outreach Campaign .............................7
Recommendation #3 - Alaska State Statute Title 29 Amendment ......................8
Recommendation #4 - Voter Pamphlet...................................................................9
Recommendation #5 - Appointed Service Area Boards.......................................9
Recommendation #6 - Statements Advocating for Approval or Rejection of
Propositions...................................................................................................................10
Additional Recommendations..................................................................................10
PURPOSE
The Election Stakeholders Group was established to research ways to
increase voter participation by developing sustainable election
processes that maximize accessibility and inclusivity while conserving
public resources.
Voting is the foundation of our democracy. Active participation in
the electoral process is necessary for high functioning governance.
The Election Stakeholders Group (ESG) was established on January 8, 2019 by KPB
Resolution 2019-006 and tasked with researching ways to increase voter
participation by developing sustainable election processes that maximize
accessibility and inclusivity while conserving public resources. In addition, the ESG
was directed to explore all aspects of administering borough and city elections
including the traditional polling site model and the vote by mail hybrid model.
The ESG was encouraged to keep in mind the directives of the conciliation
agreement between the borough and the Human Rights Commission.
Specifically, Section C which states, "Respondent Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB)
will establish and direct the stakeholder group to explore options for providing
assistive technology to visually impaired voters, including the option of distributing
ballots to all voters by mail and establishing voting centers with accessible voting
equipment open two weeks prior to each election. Respondent will direct the
stakeholder group to advance options for its consideration that will allow visually
imp6ired voters to vote privately and independently.'i
The KPB is at a critical impasse regarding the administration of elections for two
reasons:
1. The Human Rights Commission has declared our current accommodations and
equipment for voters with disabilities, specifically those that may be visually
impaired, as significantly discriminatory;
2. The hardware that is currently being used by the KPB is owned by the State of
Alaska and is at its end of life. Further, that equipment does not comply with
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and therefore is not an option
for the KPB moving forward.
The ESG was comprised of assembly members, city council members, city
managers, borough mayor's office and community members interested in the
electoral process. The group was staffed by the Borough Clerk's Office and
assisted by subject matter experts from within the borough and cities within the
borough.
Page 3 Election Stakeholders Group Final Report and Recommendations
The first ESG meeting was held on February 15, 2019 and subsequent meetings
were held every two weeks after that for a total of 12 meetings. The meetings
were advertised in accordance with the Open Meetings Act and the public was
encouraged to attend; however, there was no public participation aside from 2
emails. A small subcommittee of the group did participate in a local radio show
and had an opportunity to respond to questions for the listening audience.
In conducting its work and arriving at recommendations, the ESG adopted the
following guiding principles:
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1.) Maximize Accessibility and Inclusivity
Provide disability -related accommodations and other facilitative measures to
enable residents experiencing a disability their equal right to vote privately and
independently.
Promote participation in the electoral process for all borough voters.
2.) Efficiency and Conservation of Public Resources
Use public resources efficiently and conservatively by evaluating election -
related factors such as cost per vote cast, cost per election, cost sharing with
cities within the borough, appointed vs. elected advisory boards, and indirect
costs.
3.) Voter Satisfaction and Confidence
Increase voter satisfaction and confidence in borough elections by
maintaining voter privacy, providing options for ballot tracking and voter
flexibility, and collaborating with the Alaska Division of Elections to maintain
accurate voter rolls.
4.) Longevity in the Solution
Maximize the longevity of the election solution and the borough's ability to
adapt to advances in technology, changes in the election workforce,
engaging new voters, voter preferences, and conditions in regulatory
frameworks.
Page 4 Election Stakeholders Group Final Report and Recommendations
5.) Coordination and Collaboration
Promote collaboration with all election stakeholders, including the public,
Alaska Division of Elections, cities within the borough, candidates, media, local
community groups, and voting organizations.
6.) Security and Integrity
Ensure security of the voting system, including hardware, software,
accountability procedures, and the voter registration database.
Maintain integrity in the system by adopting internal controls such as signature
verification, requiring acceptable identifiers, providing extensive election
worker training, and giving voters the ability to cure errors to ensure all valid
votes are counted.
7.) Voter Outreach
Encourage higher voter turnout by implementing a voter communication and
education campaign that promotes the value of civic engagement.
Develop educational materials which explain the new processes to the public,
utilizing multiple resources and methods of outreach and communication, to
ensure there is a clear public understanding of and support for the new
solution.
8.) Continuity of Operations / Contingency Disaster Plan
Adopt a contingency and communication disaster plan to ensure a
coordinated and strategic response to any disruptive event and provide for
continuity of election operations.
The ESG received presentations from the Borough and City Clerks, representatives
from the State of Alaska Division of Elections, the Municipality of Anchorage, the
United States Post Office (USPS), and the KPB's current ballot printer and by mail
service provider. The ESG received demonstrations from two software/hardware
providers. Their presentations were for both polling place and vote by mail
structures. Both vendors had ADA compliant equipment for both scenarios.
Finally, a subcommittee of the group participated in a field trip to Anchorage to
see its "Vote by Mail Election Central" in action.
The ESG spent many hours discussing voter engagement, cost, collaboration and
efficiencies. Based on the knowledge gained and through presentations and
questions the ESG makes the following recommendations:
Page 5 Election Stakeholders Group Final Report and Recommendations
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendation #I —Vote by Mail Hybrid:
Recommendation #1 is consistent with and reinforced by all of the guiding
principles adopted by the Election Stakeholders Group.
The Election Stakeholders Group recommends the Assembly transition the
election process from the current polling site structure to a vote by mail hybrid
structure (VBMS). The VBMS is a proven methodology that the KPB has been using
for over 20 years in six (Cooper Landing, Hope, Fox River, Moose Pass,
Seldovia/Kachemak Bay and Tyonek) of its 28 precincts. The group reviewed the
current and VBMS structures and ranked the pros and cons. The pros of the VBMS
far outweighed the pros of the existing structure and aligned with the group's
adopted guiding principles.
The VBMS has proven to be a more efficient and effective process for the
administration of elections. In this process every registered voter will be mailed a
ballot package 2-3 weeks prior to election day, giving more voters an opportunity
to exercise their right to vote at a time and place that meets their schedule and
convenience.
Accessible Vote Centers (AVC) will be established 2 weeks prior to election day
in at least 5 locations throughout the borough. AVCS can be utilized to drop off
voted ballots or to satisfy the desire to vote in person. The vote centers will be
equipped with ADA compliant hardware, allowing all voters to vote privately and
independently. The VBMS allows for all voters to vote in the way that suits them
best.
Ballot drop boxes will need to be purchased as part of the structure and
distributed throughout the borough. Voters can choose to drop their voted ballots
in a drop box, at an AVC or in the mail by using the prepaid postage.
The VBMS is a long term solution for the borough and the cities within the borough
as it is not subject to the changing technology of the current structure. It uses off-
the-shelf scanners to count the ballots and printers for on -demand ballot printing
which allows for greater accessibility, upgrades and cost effective repairs.
The VBMS has been demonstrated by the Municipality of Anchorage to engage
all voter demographics and therefore translates into higher voter participation
and higher voter satisfaction.
The initial capital cost of the VBMS hardware and software is less than that of the
traditional structure. There will be other costs to consider; for example, ballot drop
Page 6 Election Stakeholders Group Final Report and Recommendations
boxes and an initial voter outreach and education campaign. The costs could be
shared by the cities within the borough.
The VBMS will add to voter security and confidentiality as well as offer voters an
opportunity to cure any issues that may occur with their voted ballots (e.g. no
signature provided, no identifier provided, other). The group recommends the
implementation of signature verification software and a signature review board.
It further recommends to require at least one identifier be provided by the voter
(an identifier would include voter registration number, driver's license number, or
social security number). The borough should work toward a technical solution
which will allow voters to track their voted ballot ensuring its receipt and review.
The VBMS further allows for the review board to adjudicate each ballot to ensure
voter intent is correctly determined based on standardized methods and training.
In summary, the ESG supports and recommends the VBM structure for the
administration of elections in the KPB.
The ESG received proposals from Dominion Voting software and ADA compatible
hardware for both the traditional polling site structure and the vote by mail
structure. The vote by mail proposal was $213,106.60 less than the traditional
polling site proposal. The vote by mail structure would require the purchase of
ballot drop boxes which, according to the Municipality of Anchorage, cost
around $3,300 apiece to fabricate. The Municipality of Anchorage has 16 drop
boxes distributed throughout its jurisdiction. The Municipality of Anchorage also
does not prepay the postage for the return of voted ballots. The ESG recommends
that the KPB deploy drop boxes as needed on the road system and encourages
voters in more remote areas to use USPS. Based on information provided by the
Municipality of Anchorage, the ESG is encouraged that the VBMS will increase
voter turnout and that the administrative costs will decrease over time.
Recommendation #2 - Education and Outreach Campaign
Recommendation #2 is consistent with and reinforced by guiding principles, 1.)
Maximize Accessibility and Inclusivity; 3.) Voter Satisfaction and Confidence; 4.)
Longevity in the Solution; 5.) Coordination and Collaboration and 7.) Voter
Outreach, adopted by the Election Stakeholders Group.
The Election Stakeholders Group recommends the Assembly appropriate funds
for an extensive education and outreach campaign. The voter turnout in the KPB
and the cities within it has been historically low. The turnout tends to trend higher
or lower depending on what is on the ballot.
One of the focuses of the outreach campaign would be specifically to
encourage voter participation no matter what is on the ballot through a
Page 7 Election Stakeholders Group Final Report and Recommendations
communication plan which promotes civic engagement and targeted marketing
regarding the importance of the election process.
Another primary focus would be to educate the voters on the new VBMS.
The group recommends the use of social media, print media, and broadcast
media, as well as outreach through the participation of existing community
groups (chambers of commerce, rotary, etc.).
The group further recommends the KPB consider contracting with an outside
resource to develop and implement a plan specifically regarding the education
and notification of the voters of the new vote by mail hybrid structure.
Recommendation #3—Alaska State Statute Title 29 Amendment
Recommendation #3 is consistent with and reinforced by guiding principles, 1.)
Maximize Accessibility and Inclusivity; 2.) Efficiency and Conservation of Public
Resources and 3.) Voter Satisfaction and Confidence, adopted by the Election
Stakeholders Group.
The Election Stakeholders Group recommends the Assembly adopt a resolution
requesting the Alaska State Legislature introduce and support a bill allowing for
ranked choice voting. The bill would amend AS 29.26.060(c) to read as follows:
Sec. 29.26.060. Runoff elections.
(a) Unless otherwise provided by ordinance, a runoff election shall be
held if no candidate receives over 40 percen� of the votes cast for
the office of
(1) mayor, or
(2) member of the governing body or school board if candidates run
for a designated seat.
(b) Unless otherwise provided by ordinance, if candidates for the
governing body or school board run at large, a runoff election for a
seat shall be held if no candidate receives a number of votes greater
than 40 percent of the total votes cast for all candidates divided by
the number of seats to be filled.
(c) Unless otherwise provided by ordinance, a runoff election shall be
held within three weeks after the date of certification of the election
for which a runoff is required, and notice of the runoff election shall
be published at least five days before the election date. Unless
otherwise orovided by ordinance tfTJhe runoff election shall be
Page 8 Election Stakeholders Group Final Report and Recommendations
between the two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes
for the seat.
This amendment would allow municipalities the flexibility to conduct runoff
elections according to local preference.
The ESG recommends the KPB Assembly further research and explore the solution
of Ranked Choice Voting for the election of the Borough Mayor rather than
continuing to conduct separate runoff elections which are costly and typically
receive lower voter turnout than the regular election. Ranked Choice Voting
would allow for an immediate runoff to select the prevailing candidate.
Recommendation #4 - Voter Pamphlet
Recommendation #4 is consistent with and reinforced by guiding principles, 2.)
Efficiency and Conservation of Public Resources and 3.) Voter Satisfaction and
Confidence, adopted by the Election Stakeholders Group.
The Election Stakeholder Group recommends including information in each ballot
package which directs the voter to a website with voter information, candidate
profiles and proposition summaries. The information provided would also specify
locations at which hard copies of the voter pamphlet could be obtained. In
addition, hard copies of the voter pamphlet could be mailed directly to a voter
upon request.
Paper copies of the voter pamphlet should include candidate profiles,
proposition summaries and additional voter information and be made available
at each of the AVCS. AVC employees would be educated and prepared to assist
voters in the navigation of the election website.
Recommendation #5 - Appointed Service Area Boards
Recommendation #5 is consistent with and reinforced by guiding principle, 2.)
Efficiency and Conservation of Public Resources, adopted by the Election
Stakeholders Group.
The Election Stakeholders Group recommends amending KPB Titles 2, 4 and 16 -
Service Areas to provide that all KPB service area boards are appointed instead
of elected (draft ordinance attached for consideration).
It is rare for a service area board race to be contested at an election. In addition,
there have been many years when no candidate files for the seat at all and
ultimately the seat is filled by appointment after the election is certified.
Page 9 Election Stakeholders Group Final Report and Recommendations
Recommendation #6 - Statements Advocating for Approval or Rejection
of Propositions
Recommendation #6 is consistent with and reinforced by guiding principles, 2.)
Efficiency and Conservation of Public Resources and 3.) Voter Satisfaction and
Confidence, adopted by the Election Stakeholders Group.
The Election Stakeholders Group recommends the Assembly amend KPB 4. 10.110
by deleting Section B which provides for the inclusion of statements advocating
voter approval or rejection of propositions in the voter pamphlet.
Recommendation #4 suggests streamlining the voter pamphlet to reduce waste
and cost. Amending this section of code would further support that reduction.
Additionally, the current inclusion of the statements may be contributing to voter
confusion.
The information provided and disseminated by the borough should be that of a
factual nature. Public funds should not be used to further the message of an
outside group, and the official voter information pamphlet is an inappropriate
place to allow members of the public to advocate for or against a proposition. In
today's technical environment there are multiple ways to effectively and
efficiently spread a message without cost to the tax payers of the borough.
Additionally, the administration of this code provision has proven to be difficult
and identifying possible authors of statements has proven to be problematic.
Historically, statements have been submitted for inclusion in the voter pamphlet
and those statements are not vetted or verified bylthe borough and therefore
may Include misleading information.
This provision of code was enacted in 2007 and has only been utilized a handful
of times and typically only when there is a voter initiative or referendum
proposition on the ballot.
Additional Recommendations
The ESG recommends the KPB seek support from and partners with the cities within
the borough to conduct all local elections by mail. Further, we recommend cost
sharing with the cities within the borough for election equipment, an extensive
and comprehensive communication/education plan and administration of all
future elections. The ESG promotes the collaboration between the KPB and the
cities within the KPB to develop legislation and administrative practices for the
administration of local elections.
Page 10 Election Stakeholders Group Final Report and Recommendations