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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-04-27 EC MEMO. ' M E M 0 R A N D U M TO: FROM: DATE: Andy Mccown William D. James~ April 27, 1978 SUBJECT: 'Election Corrnnission Meeting of April 18, 1978 Last year after the election a number of suggestions were made on how to improve the City's election procedures and voter participation. As a result of these concerns, the Election Commission has scheduled a number of meetings to ·deal with these issues. Our first meeting was held on April 18, 1978 and our next meeting is scheduled -for Kay 9, 1978. The Commission will submit a final report when completed with this project. I have attached information in summary form. This is only for information purposes and not a recom- mendation by the Cominission. However, we are requesting action be taken in two areas. 1) ~ampaign Signs in Residential Areas The Commission has developed guidelines for campaign signs in residential areas (see attachment). The Commission felt that by permitting campaign signs additional interest or voter awareness could be generated. The Commission is requesting that our guidelines be reviewed by the Department of Community Develop- ment and the Planning and Zoning Commission to insure consistency with other aspects of the present Sign Code. Also, the Commission would like to have cam- paign signs part of the EMC election section, Chap- ter 4 for easier reference and clarification. 2) At the meeting the Commission had with the Council last year, a number expressed concern over voter apathy in municipal elections. The Commission felt that in order to increase voter participation that we need to determine what attitudes Englewood citizens have towards municipal elections, who is voting and why, what the Gommission and City may do to enhance voter awareness, etc. Andy Mccown Election Commission Meet_ing of April 18, 1978 April 27, 1978 Page 2 In order to accomplish this end, the Commission felt that a survey of Englewood citizens is needed to develop an election plan geared towards Englewood. Therefore, we are requesting $5,000 be appropriated to hire a student from C. U. to assist us in conduct- ing a survey and gathering other information that the Commission will need for its study. We anticipate that this individual will work with the Commission for 8 to 12 months. The Commission also suggested that this individual could work with the Political Science class at Englewood High School to assist the survey in col- lecting data, follow up, etc. The Commission would appreciate authorization to hire a student intern from C. U. as soon as possib~e, preferrably May 1, in order that we can co-ordinate this program with the High School before the end of this school year. /j lw attachments VOTER PARTICIPATION CAMPAIGN 1) Brochure (A) -Guidelines to registering, voter parti- cipation, government organization (Summer proceed- ing election). 2) Brochure (B) -Sample Ballot, where to vote -Good Map - (1 1/2 to 2 weeks before election). 3) 4) Newspaper a) b) c) Survey a) b) c) d} coverage - Center section on municipal election -local newspapers. News releases on Election Commissions findings from survey. Englewood citizen. Fund needs $5,000. Use of High School Political Class. Use of C. U. Internship Program. Establishment of goals and objectives the Com- mission wants back from the survey. 5) Transportation a) City not to provide transportation, exception Senior Surrey for Senior citizens. b) Maps showing RTD routes to polling places. Recommended Election Policy Campaign Signs in Residential Areas Time Limits 1. May be posted not more than 24 days before the election. 2. Must be removed no later than two days after the election. Penalty for non-compliance -$25.00 per sign per day. Penalty is candidate's liability. Restrictions -Size and Type 1. Size is limited to twelve square feet. 2. Lighted signs are prohibited. 3. Animated signs are prohibited. 4. Signs on public utility poles are prohibited. 5. Signs cannot interfere with the public right-of-way .. Campaign signs must comply with all other aspects of the Sign Code. Permits are not required for campaign signs. .. VOTING FACILITIES 1) Handicapped Facilities a) If no handicapped facilities are available at a polling place, publicize which can not accomodate the handicapped. b) Try to seek out places that do have handi- capped facilities for a polling place. c) Encourage and publicize the use of absentee voting by the handicapped. ' 2) Location of polling place 3) a) Review precinct boundaries and alternate voting places available. Number of a) b) machines Present guidelines -one machine for 750 registered voters -two machines over 750 registered voters. Check with other jurisdictions for guidelines used to determine the number of machines used at each polling place to verify our standards and seek out ways to reduce the number of machines if possible and still provide adequate voting service. 4) Number of polling places a) Mandated by Charter to have one polling place for each precinct.