Proposed Ballot Measure for the November 3, 2026, Election to Amend the City Charter to Allow the City Council the Option to Utilize Ranked Choice Voting Only in an Election to Fill a Vacancy in the Office of the Mayor or Councilmember.

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This memorandum proposes a ballot measure for the November 3, 2026 election to amend the City Charter, allowing the City Council to utilize ranked choice voting only in elections to fill vacancies for the Mayor or Council Member. The memorandum outlines the necessary actions for the City Council, including publishing a synopsis of the measure, authorizing ballot arguments, and preparing an impartial analysis. It also discusses the background of ranked choice voting in San Jose and the implications of the proposed changes.

Key points

• The proposed measure allows ranked choice voting only for filling vacancies in the Mayor or Council Member positions.
• The City Council must consider several actions to place the measure on the ballot, including publishing a synopsis and authorizing arguments.
• Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank candidates, and if no candidate receives a majority, an instant run-off occurs.
• The memorandum references previous discussions and recommendations regarding ranked choice voting in San Jose.
• The deadline to submit the resolution for the ballot measure is August 7, 2026.

Limitations

• The text includes unresolved placeholders and lacks specific details in some sections.
• The document appears to be a draft, as indicated by the formatting and incomplete sections.

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The memorandum discusses a proposal to place a measure on the November 2026 ballot to amend the City Charter, allowing the City Council to choose to use Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for special elections to fill vacancies in Mayoral and City Council races. The proposal is motivated by a significant budget shortfall and the high costs associated with traditional election processes. The memorandum highlights the experiences of other jurisdictions that have adopted RCV, noting its potential benefits such as cost savings, increased diversity among candidates, and improved campaign civility. It also mentions the need for an educational campaign to inform voters about RCV, with estimated costs provided for such a campaign.

Key points

• Proposal to amend City Charter for Ranked Choice Voting in special elections.
• Motivated by a significant budget shortfall and high election costs.
• Other jurisdictions have successfully implemented RCV.
• Potential benefits include cost savings and increased candidate diversity.
• An educational campaign for voters would be necessary.

Limitations

• The text does not provide specific details about the proposed measure's wording or the exact process for placing it on the ballot.
• Unresolved placeholders regarding costs of educational campaigns and other specifics.

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This memorandum from Councilmember Cohen discusses a proposed ballot measure for the November 3, 2026, election to amend the City Charter to allow ranked choice voting for filling vacancies in the Mayor or Councilmember offices. It recommends changing the election date to the 2028 Primary Election to avoid high costs and preserve financial resources. The memo outlines the financial implications of delaying the measure and argues that waiting until 2028 is fiscally responsible given the city's budget challenges.

Key points

• The memorandum is from Councilmember Cohen and is dated June 22, 2026.
• It proposes a ballot measure to amend the City Charter regarding ranked choice voting.
• The recommendation is to change the election date from November 2026 to the 2028 Primary Election.
• Delaying the measure is suggested to avoid high election costs and preserve General Fund resources.
• The cost estimate for the 2026 election is $2.7 million, while the cost for the March 2028 election is under $700,000.

Limitations

• The text indicates a proposed change in election date but does not provide specific details about the 2028 Primary Election date.
• There are placeholders for other council members' names that are not fully detailed.

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This memorandum from Councilmember Bien Doan discusses a proposed ballot measure for the November 3, 2026 election, aimed at amending the city charter to allow the city council to utilize ranked choice voting (RCV) in special elections for mayor or council member vacancies. The recommendation includes directing the City Manager to provide additional analysis on RCV in comparable jurisdictions, focusing on voter turnout, fiscal impacts, and voter education, and to defer action on the charter amendment until this analysis is completed.

Key points

• The memorandum is addressed to the Mayor and City Council.
• It proposes a ballot measure for the November 2026 election regarding ranked choice voting.
• The recommendation includes a request for further analysis on RCV from the City Manager.
• The analysis should cover voter turnout, fiscal impacts, and voter education.
• Action on the charter amendment is to be deferred until the analysis is completed.
• Concerns were raised by the San Jose Chamber of Commerce regarding voter participation and education.

Limitations

• The text indicates a proposed ballot measure but does not provide specific details on the measure's wording or implications.
• There are unresolved placeholders regarding the date and other specifics that are not filled in.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

The source text indicates this attachment appears to be a draft document.

This document is a resolution from the City Council of San José calling for a Special Municipal Election on November 3, 2026. The election will include a ballot measure proposing an amendment to the San José City Charter to allow the City Council to utilize Ranked Choice Voting for filling vacancies in the office of the Mayor or Council Member. The resolution outlines the procedures for the election, including coordination with the County Registrar of Voters and the publication of the measure details.

Key points

• A Special Municipal Election is called for November 3, 2026.
• The ballot measure proposes to amend the City Charter to allow Ranked Choice Voting for filling vacancies in the Mayor or Council Member positions.
• The resolution includes requests for services from the County Registrar of Voters.
• The City Council will authorize the Board of Supervisors to canvass the election returns.
• The City Clerk is directed to publish a synopsis of the proposed measure and facilitate the election process.

Limitations

• The document appears to be a draft as indicated by the repeated mention of 'DRAFT' and instructions to contact the City Clerk for the final document.
• The full text of the proposed City Charter amendment is referenced but not included in the summary.

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The document is a letter from Otto O. Lee, the Board President of Santa Clara County, addressed to Mayor Matt Mahan and the San Jose City Council. It expresses strong support for a proposed ballot measure to amend the San Jose city charter to allow the use of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in special elections to fill vacancies. The letter highlights the high costs associated with special elections and argues that RCV could reduce these costs and improve voter participation. Lee urges the council to support placing this charter amendment before voters.

Key points

• The letter is addressed to Mayor Matt Mahan and San Jose City Council Members.
• It supports a proposed November ballot measure for Ranked Choice Voting in special elections.
• The letter discusses the high costs of special elections and the potential savings from using RCV.
• It emphasizes that RCV would be an option, not a mandate, allowing flexibility for the city.
• The letter advocates for fiscal responsibility and improved voter engagement.

Limitations

• The document contains placeholders for email addresses and other contact information.
• The specific details of the ballot measure and its implications are not fully outlined.

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The attachment contains letters from various San Jose residents and organizations expressing support for the implementation of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for special elections to fill vacancies on the City Council. The letters highlight the benefits of RCV, including cost savings, increased voter choice, and improved representation. Several individuals urge the City Council to place the RCV charter amendment on the November 2026 ballot for voter consideration.

Key points

• Support for Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for special elections to fill City Council vacancies.
• RCV is seen as a way to reduce costs associated with multiple election rounds.
• Letters emphasize that RCV can enhance voter participation and representation.
• Several residents and the Silicon Valley Young Democrats Executive Board formally request the Council to approve the RCV charter amendment for the November 2026 ballot.

Limitations

• The text includes multiple placeholders and unfilled fields, which may affect the completeness of the summary.
• Some references to specific dates and costs are present but not elaborated upon.

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The attachment contains various public comments regarding Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in San Jose. Many individuals express opposition to the implementation of RCV, citing concerns about its complexity, potential disenfranchisement of voters, and the belief that it undermines the democratic process. Some argue that RCV could lead to confusion and lower voter turnout, while others assert that it does not save money as claimed. A few comments support RCV, emphasizing its potential to provide more choices and reduce costs associated with runoff elections. Overall, the feedback reflects a significant division of opinion on the matter.

Key points

• Opposition to Ranked Choice Voting due to its complexity and potential to confuse voters.
• Concerns about disenfranchisement and the violation of the 'one citizen/one vote' principle.
• Claims that RCV does not save money and may lead to higher costs for voter education.
• Support for RCV highlighting increased voter choice and potential cost savings from eliminating runoff elections.
• Calls for the City Council to reject RCV and retain a simpler voting system.

Limitations

• The text contains multiple incomplete messages and signatures, making it difficult to ascertain the full context of each comment.
• Some placeholders and unfilled sections are present, which may affect the completeness of the summary.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

The attachment contains letters from the public discussing Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). Various individuals express their opinions on RCV, highlighting both support and opposition. Supporters argue that RCV simplifies elections, increases voter participation, and is cost-effective, while opponents claim it is complex and disenfranchises voters. The letters advocate for including RCV on the November 2026 ballot for San José voters to decide on its implementation for special elections.

Key points

• Supporters of RCV argue it simplifies the voting process and increases participation.
• Opponents claim RCV is complex and can disenfranchise voters.
• Letters advocate for RCV to be included on the November 2026 ballot for voter decision.
• Supporters cite successful implementation of RCV in various jurisdictions as evidence of its effectiveness.

Limitations

• The text includes multiple signatures and names without clear context or organization.
• Some sections appear to be incomplete or fragmented, affecting overall clarity.
• There are unresolved placeholders and formatting issues that may impact the understanding of the content.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.

The document is an email from a San José resident, Samantha Odum, addressed to the City Clerk and a Councilmember, urging them to support a Ranked Choice Voting charter amendment for the November 2026 ballot. Odum argues that this amendment would allow voters to decide on a more efficient election process, potentially saving costs associated with runoff elections. The email emphasizes the importance of providing voters with more choices and the benefits of fairer elections.

Key points

• The email is from Samantha Odum, a resident of San José.
• Odum urges the Council to refer a Ranked Choice Voting charter amendment to the November 2026 ballot.
• The amendment aims to reduce costs associated with special elections and runoff elections.
• Odum highlights that the most recent vacancy cost approximately $3.6 million across two elections.
• The measure would provide the Council with an additional option without mandating any changes.

Limitations

• The email does not provide specific details about the Ranked Choice Voting charter amendment.
• There are unresolved placeholders in the email, such as the subject line and the date of the meeting.

Generated for convenience from extracted text using AI. Review the official source document before relying on this summary.