AGENDA TITLE:
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Authorize Interim City Manager to Execute License Agreement with the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters for the Installation of a Permanent Vote-By-Mail Ballot Drop Box at City Hall (CLK)
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MEETING DATE:
January 3, 2024
PREPARED BY:
Olivia Nashed, City Clerk
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize Interim City Manager to execute License Agreement with the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters for the installation of a permanent Vote-By-Mail Ballot Drop Box at City Hall (CLK)
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters (“ROV”) is the elections official for the County of San Joaquin and local municipalities located within its jurisdiction. Therefore, it is tasked with the conduct of elections throughout San Joaquin County. The ROV divides the jurisdiction into precincts and designates polling locations for each polling precinct, pursuant to Elections Code sections 12220 and 12280. The ROV undertakes necessary measures in ensuring that polling places meet the guidelines promulgated by the Secretary of State for accessibility. In determining locations, the ROV shall, at a minimum, consider concentrations of population, geographic areas, voter convenience, proximity to public transportation, community-based locations, security and available funding.
The ROV has selected the City of Lodi to be one of the locations to obtain a permanent Vote-by-Mail Ballot Drop Box. To participate in this partnership with the ROV, they are requesting to enter into a license agreement with the City of Lodi for the election location. Authorizing the City of Lodi to execute a no cost license agreement with the ROV, enables the ROV to conduct elections in accordance with the mandates and time constraints imposed by the Elections Code, while ensuring that citizens throughout the County will have the ability to fully exercise their right to vote.
The permanent box provides accessible, secure, and safe election voting locations in San Joaquin County, during any election and at all times. The box is to be installed outside of City Hall, to provide 24/7 access to voters, regardless of City Hall hours and closures. Surveillance cameras are installed throughout the City Hall campus for additional security. It is recommended that the City Council authorize Interim City Manager Keys to execute a License Agreement, with the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters, for the installation of a permanent Vote-by-Mail Ballot Drop Box at City Hall. The ideal location, situation between Lodi City Hall and Carnegie Forum, has identified by the SJROV’s office. The License Agreement is included with this item as Attachment 1; Exhibits A and B of the agreement provide additional information and illustrations on the proposed location of the box.
STRATEGIC VISION:
3A. Fiscal Health: Promote City's transparency & fiscal fluency.
8B. Public Well-Being: Partner with other entities to provide outreach, education and activities to engage diverse cultures and communities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not Applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not Applicable.
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Olivia Nashed
City Clerk
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Andrew C. Keys
Interim City Manager