HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.28.2002•
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 28, 2002
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Berry, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Hurley, Getty.
Moved by Getty, seconded by Welper that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
The council reviewed primary and runoff elections.
Iowa law provides cities with a variety of choices for the election of city officials. There are four
nomination processes:
1. Primary Election (candidates file nomination petitions)
2. Runoff Election (candidates file nomination petitions)
3. Nomination by Petition, with only one election
4. Nomination by Convention, with only one election
The type of nomination process must be certified by the city clerk to the county auditor no later
than 77 days before the regular city election. After certification, the nomination process cannot
be changed unless the change will go into effect only for later elections.
PRIMARY ELECTION
The filing period for cities with primary elections is shorter and earlier than it is for other cities.
Candidates file nomination petitions to get on the ballot. The number of signatures needed by
each candidate is determined by the number of votes cast for that office at the previous election.
(The petition must be signed by eligible electors equal in number to at least two percent of those
who voted to fill the same office at the last regular city election, but not less than ten persons.) If
there are one or two or no candidates for an office no primary election is held for that office.
If there are more than two candidates for an office, a primary election is held four weeks before
the regular election. Only the offices with more than two candidates are included on the ballot at
the primary election. The two candidates who receive the most votes are declared nominated and
their names appear on the ballot at the regular city election.
RUNOFF ELECTION
This option must be adopted by ordinance. Candidates file nomination petitions to get on the
ballot. The number of signatures needed by each candidate is determined by the number of votes
cast for that office at the previous election. (The petition must be signed by eligible electors
equal in number to at least two percent of those who voted to fill the same office at the last
regular city election, but not less than ten persons.) All of the candidates' names appear on the
ballot at the regular city election in November. Only candidates who receive a majority of the
votes can be declared elected.
If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for an office, or if a write-in winner declines
to accept election, a runoff election is held for those offices four weeks after the regular election.
No more than two candidates for each office are declared nominated and their names appear on
the ballot at the runoff election. (Those two receiving the highest number of votes cast for that
office in the regular city election.) Candidates for the runoff election cannot withdraw.
Listed below are the two nomination processes currently allowed by the City of Waterloo:
NOMINATION BY PETITION, CHAPTER 45
The number of signatures needed on a nomination petition is based upon the population of the
city (Waterloo's population requires 25 signatures on the petition.) The regular city election is
the only election held if nominations under chapter 45 have been adopted. No primary or runoff
elections are required. The candidates who receive the greatest number of votes for each office
on the ballot are elected. The City of Waterloo currently allows nominations under either chapter
45 or chapter 44.
Work Session
May 28, 2002
Page 2
NOMINATIONS BY CONVENTION, CHAPTER 44
Candidates are nominated by conventions of nonparty political organizations. Iowa law requires
that a minimum number of people attend the convention or the convention is not valid. The
convention must be attended by at least ten eligible electors, including at least one eligible
elector from one-half of the voting precincts in the city. The regular city election is the only
election held if nominations under chapter 44 have been adopted. No primary or runoff elections
are required. The candidates who receive the greatest number of votes for each office on the
ballot are elected. The City of Waterloo currently allows nominations under either chapter 45 or
chapter 44.
Councilperson Jordan was concerned that when there are a large number of people running if
citizens get a real look at their views. The primary would reduce the number to two candidates
and give voters a better opportunity to hear from them before the regular election.
Councilperson Hurley stated that after the last election people said to him that we need to change
the election process. Citizens do not want candidates to be elected who do not receive a majority
of the votes.
Council Members discussed the cost for primary election vs. runoff election.
Councilperson Clark stated he feels a runoff election would be better because the city would be
less likely to hold a runoff election rather than a primary election.
Moved by Getty, seconded by Hurley that the Assistant City Attorney be instructed to draft an
ordinance requiring runoff elections for the city to be placed on the June 17, 2002 council
agenda. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Jordan, seconded by Getty that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:50 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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