Ltr Steinberg re runoff datesTO:
CC:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
03 F'EB 18 ,~i Ii: 3'/
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR & COMMISSION
MEMORANDUM
JORGE GONZALEZ
CITY MANAGER
MAYOR & COMMISSION
ROBERT PARCHER
CITY CLERK
RICHARD STEINBERG (~[~S / 4~ ~'
COMMISSIONER
February 18, 2003
City of Miami Beach Charter- Election Dates
As stated at the February 5th Commission Meeting, I would like to have the Charter Review
Committee look into changing the City Charter to have run-off elections two weeks after
election day.
There are an increasing number of voters participating in our election process through
absentee ballots (resulting from the more liberal policy that allows individuals to vote by
absentee without having to provide a justification and desires not to vote by computer);
thus, time must be allowed for absentee ballots to be mailed out, completed and received.
David C. Leahy, Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections, stated at the February 5th
Commission Meeting that one week runoffs will not provide his department with adequate
time to provide absentee ballots by mail. Thus, not providing additional time for runoffs
(i.e., keeping it at one week) will deprive our many of our residents of their right to vote.
To follow the logic behind the prior change from two weeks to one week runoffs, the
Committee may also want to consider keeping the same fundraising deadline for candidates
(two days following the initial election) in order to preserve the integrity of the elections.
IlLS/dm