Title
Adopt a resolution electing to opt out of listing supporters and opponents for local measures (including county, city, schools, and special districts) on the county ballot for future elections in accordance with AB 1416.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a resolution electing to opt out of listing supporters and opponents for local measures (including county, city, schools, and special districts) on the county ballot for future elections in accordance with AB 1416.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Assembly Bill (AB) 1416 was passed by the California State Legislature in 2022 with an effective date of January 1, 2023. AB 1416 adds a requirement for statewide ballot measures to include a list of both supporters and opponents on the ballot. The list is limited to 125-characters and provides restrictions on how supporters and opponents may be identified. AB 1416 permits counties to opt out of listing supporters and opponents for all local measures. Further, the Bill prohibits the inclusion of supporters and opponents on any local ballot measure in the entire county if a single local measure is shared with a county that has opted out of the listing. To date, the majority of California counties, including all neighboring counties have opted out of listing supporters and opponents on local ballot measures.
Supporters and opponents of local measures are included on the Monterey County Elections website and in the local voter information guide on the introductory page for each measure and with the corresponding arguments in favor of and against. Information in the local guide is not limited in the same manner as the information that would be provided on the ballot under AB 1416.
The Monterey County Elections Department is responsible for the administration of measures related to the County, schools and special districts. In addition, each city clerk is responsible for the administration of measures in their respective city.
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