[Archived] City Holds Public Hearing on the Electoral Process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 6, 2008

City of Alexandria Holds Public Hearing on the Electoral Process

The Alexandria City Council seeks public input regarding possible changes to the City charter to determine if the community prefers that the present process or a different process be used to elect the City Council and School Board.

The Council will hold a public hearing on Saturday, June 14, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. (or as soon thereafter as this matter may be heard) in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 301 King St. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment on (1) which one of the following sets of questions should be submitted for advisory referendum to the voters of the City (comments on the wording of the questions are also welcome); and (2) whether the preferred set of questions should be included on the ballot at a May general election, or at a November general election.

Option One is a set of four questions that would read as follows:

The City Council is seeking public input regarding possible changes to the City charter to determine if the community prefers the present process or a different process to elect the City Council and School Board. The following questions represent four approaches to conducting local elections. These approaches are designed to avoid overlap with federal elections. Please vote "yes" or "no" on each question.

1. Do you support continuing the existing 3-year terms of service for the City Council and School Board, with May elections for all members?

Yes ___ No ___

2. Do you support a change to 4-year terms of service for the City Council and School Board, with November elections every 4 years for all members held at the same time as state delegate and state senate elections (that is, in odd-numbered years)?

Yes ___ No ___

3. Do you support a change to 4-year, staggered terms of service for the City Council and School Board, with November elections every 2 years for a portion of the Council and School Board held at the same time as state delegate and state senate elections?

Yes ___ No ___

4. Do you support a change to 4-year, staggered terms of service for the City Council and School Board, with May elections every 2 years for a portion of the Council and School Board?

Yes ___ No ___

Option Two is a set of two questions that would read as follows:

1. Should the City change from spring (May) elections every 3 years for the City Council and School Board to fall (November) elections every 4 years that occur at the same time as elections for state delegates and state senators (that is, in odd-numbered years)?

Yes ___ No ___

2. Should the City change from electing City Council and School Board members all at the same time to staggering terms of service so that a portion of the City Council and School Board is elected in alternating elections?

Yes ___ No ___

For further information, please contact: Bernard Caton, Legislative Director, at 703.838.3828 or Ignacio Pessoa, City Attorney, at 703.838.4433.

Individuals with disabilities requiring assistance or special arrangements, and individuals who require translation services to participate in the City Council meeting may call the City Clerk's Office at 703.838.4550 (TTY/TDD 703.838.5056). We ask that you provide a 48-hour notice so that proper arrangements may be made.

Persons wishing to speak on this item may sign up prior to the public hearing by calling the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council at 703.838.4550.