SUBJECT
Title
AUTHORIZE THE REGISTRAR OF VOTERS TO ENTER INTO STANDARD AGREEMENTS WITH CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE TO ACCEPT VOTER’S CHOICE ACT FUNDING (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
On October 19, 2021 (21), the Board of Supervisors authorized the Registrar of Voters to implement the vote center model in San Diego County pursuant to the California Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) and perform all activities required under the VCA.
The California Secretary of State (Secretary of State) from time to time may distribute funds to counties to implement the VCA. Today’s actions would approve a resolution allowing the Registrar of Voters to submit applications and execute standard agreements (Agreements) with the Secretary of State as funding is made available, including a current proposed Agreement for up to $500,000, for reimbursement for outreach and voter education services. The Secretary of State has indicated it requires such a resolution for the Registrar of Voters to submit applications and execute the Agreements.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION FOR FUNDS AND APPROVAL OF STANDARD CONTRACTS UNDER THE VOTER’S CHOICE ACT WITH THE CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
A person’s vote can influence policy and who represents them in government, which in turn impacts their environment, health, and quality of life. Having the appropriate resources to conduct a fair, accurate, and transparent election allows all eligible citizens to have a part in matters that affect them.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Operational Plan in the Registrar of Voters. If approved, this request will result in revenue of up to $500,000 in Fiscal Year 2021-22, pending total expenses submitted for reimbursement. The funding source is funds from the California Secretary of State. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years. Any funding received will be expended according to the terms of the program under which the funds are allocated, such as expanding voter education and outreach programs.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
N/A
BACKGROUND
The Secretary of State from time to time may distribute funds to counties to implement the VCA, contingent on execution of an Agreement. The Registrar of Voters expects to submit applications and enter into separate Agreements as funding becomes available to the County from the Secretary of State. One proposed Agreement is currently pending which will provide up to $500,000 in reimbursement of funds used to provide outreach and education services to voters as part of the County’s VCA implementation plan.
The Secretary of State’s office has indicated it requires the County to adopt a general resolution authorizing the Registrar of Voters to submit applications and enter into Agreements to be eligible for reimbursement of VCA expenditures. The Board is requested to approve the attached resolution (Attachment A), which will authorize the Registrar of Voters to submit applications and enter into Standard Agreements with the California Secretary of State, and to execute all required documents, including any extensions, amendments and/or revisions thereto that do not materially impact either the program or funding level, to receive allocations of funds for activities related to implementation of the Voter’s Choice Act, including a proposed Agreement to receive up to $500,000. This will allow the Registrar of Voters to receive and expend funds as they are made available without returning to the Board for separate approval of each application and Agreement. These funds will help alleviate the total costs of implementing the Voter’s Choice Act.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today's proposed action supports the Community and Sustainability Strategic Initiatives in the County of San Diego’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan by inspiring civic engagement through increased access for communities to use their voice, their vote, and their experience to impact change while aligning the County’s available resources with services to maintain fiscal stability.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN N. ROBBINS-MEYER
Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A - A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION FOR FUNDS AND APPROVAL OF STANDARD CONTRACTS UNDER THE VOTER’S CHOICE ACT WITH THE CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE