Good morning sf.citi members,
I’m writing to you today to provide you with an update on the potential special election this fall. While a special election has not been called by the San Francisco Department of Elections as of today, all signs are pointing in that direction, especially as numerous recall petitions are circulating and Supervisor Ronen recently introduced a resolution to hold a special election this year.
Below, please find more information on the status of Governor Newsom’s recall, District Attorney Boudin’s recall, and SF School Board recall. We’ve also provided information on Supervisor Ronen’s recent special election introduction, additional races we will likely see if a special election is to take place this year, and helpful information regarding rules for taxes during special elections.
Governor Newsom Recall
Governor Newsom’s recall efforts have gathered the qualified amount of signatures to spur a state election. Counties still have until today, April 29th, to submit the rest of their verified signatures and that will then be followed by a 30-day period where people can withdraw their signatures. After the signature withdrawal period, the legislature will review cost estimates for 30 days before Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis can set an election date. More likely than not, the state election will take place late this summer or fall.
District Attorney Boudin Recall
The Committee Supporting the Recall is spearheading DA Boudin’s petition and will need to gather 51,325 valid signatures by August 11th to qualify for a local special election. After going through the certification process, the San Francisco Director of Elections has to call a special election on the recall to be held between 105-120 days after the certification process is complete.
School Board Recall
A campaign to recall three members of the San Francisco school board—Gabriela López, Alison Collins, and Faauuga Moliga—has commenced. The San Francisco Department of Elections has approved organizers’ recall petition and recall supporters have until September 7, 2021, to collect 51,325 signatures per board member. If enough signatures are submitted by the deadline and verified by the county, a recall election will be scheduled within 100 days of the signatures being verified. If the board members are recalled, Mayor Breed will appoint replacements.
Board of Supervisors Special Election Resolution
At last week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Ronen introduced a resolution declaring the Board’s intent to hold a special municipal election this fall in light of the special statewide election. This resolution will be heard at an upcoming committee meeting before going to the full Board for a vote, will only be heard at the full Board once, and requires six votes to pass. The resolution is also subject to approval or veto by the Mayor. While the exact date of the election is still to be determined, San Francisco may hold a local election to coincide with the statewide recall election. We will keep you updated as we hear more from the Clerk’s office and the Department of Elections regarding timelines.
Additional Races
City Attorney
On April 26th, 2021, Mayor Breed nominated City Attorney Dennis Herrera to serve as the next General Manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). Upon transition, the Mayor will appoint his replacement, requiring the appointee to run for the remainder of his/her term at the next election—either this fall or during the regularly scheduled election in 2022, depending on whether or not the City chooses to hold a special election.
Assessor-Recorder
In February 2020, Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu transitioned to become the City Administrator and therefore resigned with approximately 23 months remaining in her current office term. Mayor Breed then appointed OEWD’s Joaquín Torres to fill the vacancy. If the Board calls a special election in 2021, that election must include a contest to elect the Assessor-Recorder. Alternatively, if we do not hold a special election this year, the next Assessor-Recorder election will take place during the regularly scheduled election in 2022.
Taxes on Special Election Ballots
The Board, the Mayor, or four Supervisors, can place initiative ordinances (including dedicated tax measures and declarations of policy) on special election ballots by motion with six votes. However, the City cannot place general tax measures or Charter amendments on special election ballots.
For Ordinances and Declarations of Policy placed on the ballot by the Board, the deadline for submission is no later than 95 days before election day. For Ordinances and Declarations of Policy placed on the ballot by the Mayor or Four Supervisors, the deadline for submission to the Clerk of the Board and the Department of Elections is no later than 140 days before election day. For citizen’s initiative petitions, the deadline to submit to the Department of Elections to qualify an ordinance is 120 days prior to the election. Please note that these deadlines are contingent on a special election date, however, the Director of the Department of Elections has not announced a date for said special election. We will have more dates and information once a special election is officially announced.
For additional guidance on other measures and their deadlines, please refer to the City Attorney’s Recall Election Memo attached.
Thank you for your continued membership and please let us know if you have any questions.
Jen
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