02/09/1983 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Councilor Schue said that she had recently become less supportive of same-day registration. She said she was interested in the vote-by-mail experiments and would therefore support HB 2054. Councilor Wooten supported Mr. Lindberg's position and said she felt that most of those who registered late did so because they had changed addresses within the City or even within their precinct and did not realize until they actually went to the polls that they needed to re-register. She felt HB 2054 would discriminate against these voters. Councilor Ball suggested that the City's position on the 20-day cutoff could be reconsidered when vote-by-mail is implemented. Mayor Keller supported the staff position. He said that last-minute registration created real problems for the Election Office. He felt that those who were committed to exercising their right to vote would take the time to inform themselves of registration and re-registration requirements. Councilors Ball and Wooten asked for more information on the reasons behind the staff recommendation on this bill and on its possible impacts on the City. Karen Goldman, Assistant City Recorder, said that the bill would have no direct operational impact on the City. She said that the League of Oregon Cities had felt that the 20-day cutoff was in line with residency requirements for voting and had expressed concern with the abuse of last-day registration. Ms. Goldman noted that HB 2050--vote-by-mail--also included provisions for a 20-day cutoff. Roll call vote; motion carried 5:3, with Councilors Hansen, Holmer, Obie, Schue, and Smith voting in favor, and Councilors Ball, Lindberg, and Wooten voting in opposition. Councilors then discussed HB 2050. Ms. Wooten said she had objections to this bill similar to those she had voiced in opposition to HB 2054. Councilor Schue said that HB 2050 would allow experiments with vote-by-mail to continue. Responding to questions from councilors, Ms. Goldman explained that HB 2050 would allow vote-by-mail to be used in special district elections but not in general or primary elections. She said that individual County election offices set up the provisions for vote-by-mail. Councilor Smith suggested that the Legislative Subcommittee review HB 2050 again and return with a recommendation to the City Council. Councilors concurred with this suggestion. The council then discussed HB 2116. Councilor Holmer said that the City's share of the costs of general and primary elections was approximately $20,000. He said that the burden of this cost is borne by the County. He said that in view of time constraints he would suggest that the discussion be curtailed. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 9, 1983 Page 10