Ordinance 2008-308 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Honorable Bruno A. Barreiro, Chairperson, and Members, Soard of County Commlsslonais Page 3 This Increase can be attributed to several factors. First, voters typically know when countywide elections are being held due to the wide-spread media attention Inherent In large elections. In addition, the Elections Department launches Its own awareness campaigns via television, radio, and newspaper and holds hundreds of outreach events throughout the community. These are opportunities that municipalities can benefit from should their elections occur on the same date. Having a single election date for all municipalities will allow for enhanced media exposure. The County and municipalities can spend advertising dollars on a single, shared election date, resulting In a much farther reaching audience and therefore contributing to higher turnout. Should the municipalities piggyback onto a countywide election, voters will only have to remember major election dates thereby Increasing the likelihood of their participation. Granting voters the ability to vote on all Issues, both local and beyond at once, will further ensure their voices will be heard on all Important Issues. I understand, however, that there are Instances when a stand-alone election Is not only required, but prudent. There are times when a municipality needs to place an Issue or other Item on the ballot for consideration by their residents and a stand-alone election Is the best approach. The Elections Department will certainly accommodate municipalities In cases such as this. Even with these benefits to both government and our voters, cooperation from the municipalities Is necessary to consolidate the elections schedule. Buy-In from each municipality Is essential as charter amendments will be required In order to move Its election dates. Some municipalities will also require amendments to candidate qualifying dates and potentially term limits. The Elections Department Is currently In discussions with the municipal clerks to gain support for this essential consolidation. The City of Aventura has seen the value In consolidating and has agreed to pass a resolution In early 2008 moving Its municipal election to coincide with the Miami-Dade General Election beginning In 2010. The most mutually beneficial approach Is for municipalities to hold consolidated elections In August and November during odd years, and In conjunction with the Primary and General Elections In even years. Each municipality can determine which Interval best suits their city and Its residents as making a change such as this may require an extension of term limits for certain offices during the transition to the new schedule. Those municipalities choosing to consolidate on even number years will draw the additional cost benefits Inherent with piggybacking onto the countywide elections. Those cities choosing to consolidate on odd number years will also realize a cost savings, albeit less. All municipalities will be afforded the other benefits stated above. Recommendation It Is recommended that the Board of County Commissioners adopt legislation urging municipal officials to sponsor their own legislation In support of a consolidated elections calendar. The Elections Department will be available to assist municipalities with the creation of such legislation. In order to provide ample time for the municipalities to make the necessary arrangements, the consolidated elections calendar should be promoted to have a 2010 effective date. Municipalities would not only benefit from the cost savings of consolidating election-related services, It would also allow the election process to function more efficiently. In addition to the cost benefits to government, the residents of Miami-Dade County will undoubtedly benefit from this change as voter turnout would Invariably be Increased. ((,J~ 3