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p yv, IT <br />o <br />1 v <br />J <br />November 13, 2003 <br />To: Neal Beets, City Manager <br />Fr: Carolyn Curti, Elections Coordinator CQ'O <br />Re: Special Election <br />The City Council is debating whether to hold a special election to fill the vacancy that <br />will open up when Craig Klausing is sworn in as Mayor. I have strong concerns about <br />voter turnout and holding a special election in the winter. The following is a discussion <br />of any concerns. <br />Historically, voter tuamout is lower in odd year elections than in even year elections, and <br />lowest at special elections. An election in January or February would guarantee an even <br />lower turnout. The current City Council has debated voter turnout, and it was one of the <br />deciding factors to move to even year elections. <br />Roseville has a high senior population, and many seniors head for warmer climates <br />during the winter months. To ensure that ALL Roseville residents be given the <br />opportunity to vote (including by absentee ballot), the City would have to advertise in a <br />variety of ways. we could do an article in the wrap or include information with water <br />bills. The wrap would not incur additional costs, but it would not reach people who have <br />gone south for the winter. <br />If we included information in water bills, we would incur a slight cost increase. water <br />bills may not reach residents who live multi- family housing, and bills only come out <br />every three months, so the City would miss a segment of the population. <br />If we have a special election I reconrunend that the City send a first class postcard to all <br />addresses in Roseville. That way we notify snowbirds and those remaining in Roseville <br />through the winter. <br />Cost <br />The City would likely spend between $15,000 and P 8,000 for a special election <br />(assuming no primary). Cost of the primary election was one of the major arguments for <br />eliminating the primary and for moving to even year elections. It's contradictory to not <br />consider cost when considering whether to hold a special election. By the way, in 2000 <br />the City of Bloomington passed a resolution calling for a special election. In 2001 they <br />repealed the resolution because of the cost. <br />2660 Civic Center Drive t Roseville }## Minnesota + 5511 <br />651- 490 -2200 -do TDD 651 -490 -2207 -e# w.oi,rosevilio.mmus <br />