File #: 19-4595    Version: 1 Name: Electioneering Regulations - Update
Type: Agenda Item Status: Postponed
File created: 12/16/2019 In control: City Council
On agenda: 1/6/2020 Final action:
Title: An ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the City Code by making certain additions and deletions to Sections 2-51 and 2-53, which regulate electioneering at City owned polling locations and amending the City Code regarding political signs on public property.
Attachments: 1. Ordinance - Chapter 2, 2. Polling place rules and regulations - 01062020

Title

An ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the City Code by making certain additions and deletions to Sections 2-51 and 2-53, which regulate electioneering at City owned polling locations and amending the City Code regarding political signs on public property.

 

Body

Pursuant to the authority provided by Section 61.003 of the Texas Election Code, Staff is recommending updating Chapter 2 of the City Code regarding electioneering at polling locations. The recommended changes are based on observations from the most recent City election.

 

Below are the proposed amendments:

                     Amend Section 2-51 by updating the definition of “Voting Period” - This will eliminate the requirement for candidates to remove political signs between early voting and election day voting periods. 

                     Amend Section 2-53(h) by updating sub-grade depth from six inches to three inches. Staff recommendation is based on protecting irrigation lines at polling locations. 

 

The intent of these amendments is to share regulations with other political subdivisions such as the Mesquite Independent School District for adoption for their facilities.

 

Recommended/Desired Action

Staff recommends approval of the ordinance.

 

Attachment(s)

Ordinance

Polling Place Rules and Regulations

 

Drafter

Raymond Rivas

 

Head of Department

Cliff Keheley