HomeMy WebLinkAboutLocal Election Finance Study IILocal Election Finance Study II
League of Women Voters -Southwest Santa Clara Valley
Serving the communities of Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, & Saratoga
Study Committee
Tom Picraux*, Danice Picraux*, Eleanor Yick, Corrine Vita, Meg Giberson, Alan Giberson
* Co-chairs
A copy of the study may be found at:
my.lwv.org/california/southwest-santa-clara-valley/local-state-and-national-studies
February 19, 2020 Saratoga City Council
The League of Women Voters
As a nonpartisan political organization we promote democracy by:
•Encouraging participation in government
•Educating voters
•Advocating issues—but only after study & consensus on the issue
2100 Years of Advocacy –Making Democracy Work
Local Election Finance Study II
•What it does:
Analyzes local city council and school board elections
Examines local election regulations, financing & reporting
Compares practices to other cities
Presents findings and promotes best practices
•Purpose
Promote participation & transparency in local elections
for both voters and candidates
3100 Years of Advocacy –Making Democracy Work
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2018 Voting and Campaign Expenditure Data
CampbellSaratoga
Los Gatos
Avg. spent = $14,506 (6% increase)
Avg. spent = $6,365 (13% increase)
Avg. spent = $20,254 (83% increase vs. 2016)
7 of 8 (88%) incumbents elected
5 of 12 (43%) non-incumbents elected
Monte Sereno
Campaign spending varies widely
(<$2000 -$40,000 /race)
Avg. spent = $1,560 (80% increase)
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Local Election Finance Study II
For considering and discussing the merits of term limits,
contribution limits and other election regulation changes to
encourage election participation and transparency.
We commend the Saratoga City Council:
100 Years of Advocacy –Making Democracy Work
Consider findings identified as Best Practices
•Consider the merits of contribution limits or voluntary campaign spending limits
e.g., -San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Gilroy impose contribution limits ($290 –750)
-Mountain View pays balance of candidate statement above $500 if $25,539 VEL accepted
•Post candidate election contribution and expenditure reports on web (Forms 460, 470, 497)
e.g., -Total contributions received
-Individual contributions including: date, amount, contributor, occupation/employer, address
•Cover a portion of the cost of the candidate statement for the Voter Information
Pamphlet (Fiscal challenge if retain 400 vs. 200 word statement -$2,654 in 2018)
e.g., -Campbell charges the candidate $300 and pays the balance (~$1300)
•Continue to enhance your website for well-organized, relevant election information
e.g., -Post candidate statement, contact information, & web page link;
-Link to upcoming candidate forums;
-Link to LWV Voters Edge info on candidates
Encourage greater election participation and transparency by -
6100 Years of Advocacy –Making Democracy Work
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Invitation to Special Event
Reception for LWV Centennial
Historical Photo Exhibit
Thursday, March 5, 6:00 –7:30 pm
Los Gatos Town Council Chambers
110 E. Main Street, Los Gatos
100 Years of Advocacy –Making Democracy Work