City Elections in Even-Numbered Years

Shall the City amend the Charter to hold elections for Mayor, Sheriff, District Attorney, City Attorney and Treasurer in November of presidential election years, extend the current terms of these officials by one year to January 2025, provide that there would be no regularly scheduled election in 2023, hold elections for local ballot measures only in even-numbered years or in special elections, and change the minimum number of signatures required for voters to place ordinances and declarations of policy on the ballot?

Digest by the Ballot Simplification Committee

The Way It Is Now: The City holds elections for local offices in even- and odd-numbered years. The mayor, sheriff, district attorney, city attorney and treasurer are elected every four years in November of odd-numbered years. The last regular election for these offices was in November 2019, and the next scheduled election for these offices will be in November 2023.

The City holds elections for assessor-recorder, public defender, members of the Board of Supervisors, School Board and City College Board every four years in November of even-numbered years. Elections for state and federal offices are also held in even-numbered years.

Local ballot measures can be on the ballot in both even- and odd-numbered years. Voters may place a City ordinance or declaration of policy on the ballot by submitting enough signatures from San Francisco voters on an initiative petition. To qualify for the ballot, the petition must include signatures from San Francisco voters equaling at least 5% of the votes cast for all candidates in the preceding election for mayor. As of July 2022, these petitions require a minimum of 8,979 signatures.

The Proposal: Proposition H would require that the City hold elections for the mayor, sheriff, district attorney, city attorney and treasurer in November of presidential election years. As a result, the City would hold elections for all local offices in even-numbered years only.

If this proposal is approved, there would be no regularly scheduled 2023 election. The current terms of the mayor, sheriff, district attorney, city attorney and treasurer would be extended by one year. The next election for these offices would be in November 2024. The City would then hold elections for those offices every four years.

Under Proposition H, the City could place measures on the ballot only in even-numbered years or in special elections.

Proposition H would also change the minimum number of signatures required for City initiative ordinances and declarations of policy from 5% of the votes cast in the last mayoral election to 2% of registered voters in San Francisco, which was 9,948 as of July 2022.

A "YES" Vote Means: If you vote "yes," you want the City to hold elections for mayor, sheriff, district attorney, city attorney and treasurer in November of presidential election years, to hold elections for local ballot measures only in even-numbered years or in special elections, and to change the minimum number of signatures required for voters to place ordinances and declarations of policy on the ballot. There would be no regularly scheduled 2023 election, and the current terms of the mayor, sheriff, district attorney, city attorney and treasurer would be extended by one year.

A "NO" Vote Means: If you vote "no," you do not want to make these changes.

Controller's Statement on "H"

City Controller Ben Rosenfield has issued the following statement on the fiscal impact of Proposition H:

Should the proposed Charter amendment be approved by the voters, in my opinion, it would decrease the cost of government by approximately $6.9 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023–2024 and in subsequent odd-numbered years, by consolidating elections and eliminating municipal elections in odd-numbered years. However, these savings would be reduced or eliminated if a special election is required in an odd-numbered year.

The proposed Charter amendment would require elections for Mayor, Sheriff, District Attorney, City Attorney and Treasurer to be held in even-numbered years. To do so, the amendments provides that the people elected to these offices in 2019 would serve a five-year term. The next election for these offices would be in November 2024 followed by elections for these offices every four years in even-numbered years.

These changes would save the City approximately $9 million for the cost of running general municipal elections in odd-numbered years, offset by approximately $2.1 million for the cost of printing and mailing ballot cards and voter information pamphlets, temporary staffing costs, and other materials and services that would be shifted from one year to the next, for a net savings of $6.9 million over two years beginning in FY 2023–24.

The amendment would also change the signature threshold for initiative ordinances to two percent of the last number of registered voters in San Francisco, instead of five percent of the turnout in the last mayoral election.

How "H" Got on the Ballot

On July 19, 2022, the Board of Supervisors voted 7 to 4 to place Proposition H on the ballot. The Supervisors voted as follows:

Yes: Chan, Melgar, Peskin, Preston, Ronen, Safai, Stefani.

No: Dorsey, Mandelman, Mar, Walton.

This measure requires 50%+1 affirmative votes to pass.

Proponent’s Argument in Favor of Proposition H

Prop H has the potential to double voter participation in San Francisco for important local offices and save the city millions of dollars.

At a time when voting rights and democracy are under attack, Prop H is a simple solution to ensure that more San Franciscans have a voice in our democracy.

This non-partisan, good government measure moves the elections for Mayor, Sheriff, District Attorney, City Attorney, and Treasurer— currently in odd years— to even years.

Yes on H updates the city Charter to align with a state law prohibiting cities from holding off-cycle elections if doing so significantly lowers voter turnout. Already 50+ cities have made this change in California, including Los Angeles, San Bruno, Modesto, and San Mateo. It’s time for San Francisco to codify the democratic ideals of our state and city!

Over the last decade, voter turnout in San Francisco has averaged 43% in odd year elections and 80% in presidential cycles; with the lowest odd-year voter participation amongst communities of color, the working class, and young voters. Prop H isn’t just about increasing voter turnout but also ensuring that more voters will have a say in city elections.

Consolidating next year’s election into the 2024 ballot will save about $7 million dollars which can be spent instead on urgent needs such as homelessness, housing, and public safety.

Can you imagine what our local elections would look like if more voters participated? It's time to join the other California cities who have already made this important change to increase voter participation.

Please join us and Vote Yes on Prop H.

California Common Cause

League of Women Voters of San Francisco

San Francisco Democratic Party

RepresentUs

Asian Americans Advancing Justice- Asian Law Caucus

Sierra Club

upthevotesf.com

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Rebuttal to Proponent’s Argument in Favor of Proposition H

Throughout our history, San Francisco has condemned attempts by extremists around the world to seize power, exclude diverse voices and suppress the right to vote. But cancel elections right here? Unprecedented!

Proposition H was crafted by the City's most left-wing movement socialists. Standing against this ballot measure is Mayor London Breed, along with advocates and leaders across community, education, business, nonprofit and grassroots organizations. We recognize this dangerous ploy by Supervisor Dean Preston to drive like-minded radical allies into office regardless of the will of the voters.

Proposition H will simply eliminate the 2023 election for several elected offices. Everyone stays in office. Don't like the choices four years ago? Sorry! It's not up to the voters any more. What about our rights? This is voter suppression!

Earlier this year, San Francisco celebrated democracy with the School Board and District Attorney recalls (which I advocated strongly). Dean Preston and his allies staunchly opposed recalls - and would have given Chesa Boudin a five year term if he was not ousted!

In San Francisco, more Chinese, Filipino, Latino and lower income voters will cast ballots in 2022 than any year in our history, due to governor Gavin Newsom's mail-in ballot executive order. 2023 will again break records if we continue the political engagement of diverse voices -- Yet Dean Preston wants to break this momentum and actually suppress the vote.

Annual elections are an important San Francisco democratic tradition that increases opportunities for citizens to vote. Vote NO on H because it undermines our democratic norms.

Richie Greenberg

RichieGreenberg.org

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Opponent's Argument Against Proposition H

Cancel the 2023 elections? Seriously?

Failing politicians around the world scheme to extend their hold on power by challenging, canceling, nullifying or postponing elections. It's one of the most jaw-dropping hallmarks of a tyrannical, undemocratic regime. Despots justify their refusal to transition power to the next duly elected government official.

Trump tried this in 2020. We've seen this fiasco before.

In this past June 2022 election, the propagandists said the recall of Chesa Boudin was the end of Democracy. That Chesa earned four years in office, they said, wait for the elections! Now the same people want to cancel the 2023 elections entirely. Hypocrisy!

Corrupt tyrants, Putin and other terrorist-linked regimes cancel elections. Insurrectionists prevent legitimate elections.

The author of this horrendous, undemocratic power-grab is Dean Preston, himself a colossal failure as supervisor (city councilman) who ignored the role of drugs and mental illness in San Francisco's homelessness crisis. He wants to funnel more taxpayer money into wasteful projects and contracts that pay off for his Democratic Socialists for America movement - that's why he wants to extend the term of his allies in office, and boost radical left turnout in the next election for Mayor and District Attorney. This is the stuff corrupt banana republic, 3rd world military-rule dictators are famous for. Vote NO on Proposition H.

Richie Greenberg

RichieGreenberg.org

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Rebuttal to Opponent’s Argument Against Proposition H

Prop H is about doubling voter participation in electing key local officials, including Mayor. It is a nonpartisan, pro-democracy measure supported by both California Common Cause and the San Francisco League of Women Voters.

Right now, San Francisco holds a single odd-year election with an average 43% turnout rate, every 4 years, to elect just 5 of the most important positions in our city: Mayor, District Attorney, City Attorney, Sheriff, and Treasurer.

Prop H reschedules this election once in 2023 in order to move it an even year 2024. That permanent move to an even year is projected to DOUBLE voter turnout and ensure a broader cross-section of voters participate in every election afterwards— simply by moving to higher-turnout presidential year election cycles.

Opponents of Proposition H want you to believe that it is better for San Francisco if FEWER people vote. Prop H ensures more voters, especially those from marginalized communities, make their voices heard in our political process. As a city that leads the state and nation in bold ideas, we need to do our part to ensure we make voting as easy and accessible as possible. Join us and vote YES on H.

Former Mayor Art Agnos

San Francisco Democratic Party

RepresentUs

Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club

San Francisco Latinx Democratic Club

San Francisco Women's Political Committee

San Francisco Labor Council

Sierra Club

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Paid Arguments in Favor of Proposition H

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition H

Women Say Yes on Prop H. Women are facing a post-Roe country where reproductive rights depend on their local government.

It is more important than ever for every woman to have a voice in municipal races. Switching to years when everyone actually votes ensures popular participation in elections for offices that impact women's health and autonomy.

Let women have a say in their future, vote yes on Prop H!

San Francisco Women’s Political Committee

Supervisor Connie Chan

Supervisor Hillary Ronen

San Francisco Democratic Party Treasurer Carolina Morales

San Francisco Democratic Party Corresponding Secretary Anabel Ibáñez

San Francisco Democratic Party Member Gloria Berry

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Up the Vote Yes on H.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Mark Leno, 2. Melissa Hernandez, 3. Albany Aroyan.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition H

Voting Rights Groups Say Yes on Prop H. Our government functions as it should when all voices are heard and represented in the democratic political process. The right to vote is a cornerstone civil rights issue.

If Prop H passes, we anticipate that turnout in local elections will be higher and more fully representative of San Francisco's diverse population.

We need everyone's voice! Vote Yes on Prop H.

RepresentUs

Asian Americans Advancing Justice- Asian Law Caucus

League of Women Voters San Francisco

California Common Cause

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Up the Vote Yes on H.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Mark Leno, 2. Melissa Hernandez, 3. Albany Aroyan.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition H

San Francisco's Black Community Needs Prop H. Black people have been pushed out of the City by systemic racism and housing costs.

Low turnout results in less representation in city government and Prop H is an immediate solution to increase the Black community's say in city government.

Changing city elections to even years is about making sure we have a voice. Vote Yes on Prop H.

President Board of Supervisors Shamann Walton

Vice-Chair San Francisco Democratic Party Keith Baraka

San Francisco Democratic Party Member Gloria Berry

Former CCSF Student Trustee William Walker

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Up the Vote Yes on H.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Mark Leno, 2. Melissa Hernandez, 3. Albany Aroyan.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition H

Prop H is the best tool to increase Latino representation in San Francisco—it is crucial our presence is reflected in local government.

With the potential to raise the Latino vote 50%, moving from odd-year to even-year elections will give us more voice and more representation in city government.

Let's double our say in electing important local officials. ¡Vota SÍ a la H!

San Francisco Latinx Democratic Club

La Raza Community Resource Center

Vice-Chair California Democratic Party David Campos

San Francisco Democratic Party Corresponding Secretary Anabel Ibáñez

Former Supervisor John Avalos

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Up the Vote Yes on H.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Mark Leno, 2. Melissa Hernandez, 3. Albany Aroyan.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition H

Asian Leaders Say Yes on Prop H. The Asian community turnout differential between even and odd year elections is one of the largest of any community in San Francisco.

84% of registered Asian voters participated in the 2020 presidential year election compared to only 38% voting in 2019.

Let's move elections to even years when the Asian community shows up to vote. Vote YES on Prop H.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice- Asian Law Caucus

South West Asian North African Democratic Club

Supervisor Connie Chan

City College Trustee Alan Wong

San Francisco Democratic Party Member Han Zou

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Up the Vote Yes on H.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Mark Leno, 2. Melissa Hernandez, 3. Albany Aroyan.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition H

LGBTQ Leaders Say Yes on Prop H. As human rights are threatened nationwide, it's crucial to preserve one of the fundamental pillars of democracy in our city: the right to vote.

The LGBTQ+ community has faced discrimination by policymakers throughout history. We stand with people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and gender identities in defending our right to participate in the process of electing our representatives at the local level.

Vote Yes on Prop H!

Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club

Vice Chair, San Francisco Democratic Party Peter Gallotta

BART Director Bevan Dufty

Former Assemblymember Tom Ammiano

Jackie Fielder, Community Organizer

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Up the Vote Yes on H.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Mark Leno, 2. Melissa Hernandez, 3. Albany Aroyan.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition H

San Francisco Democratic Party and Democratic Leaders Say Yes on H! Restrictive voting laws have surged across the country to prevent Americans from participating in democracy.

Since 2020, nearly 500 restrictive bills have been introduced to suppress voters by expanding voter identification, limiting voting options, and increasing voter roll purges. In 2021, the number of restrictive laws reached the highest number seen in a decade.

As a proudly Democrat city and state, we should be encouraging participation in elections — not making it more difficult. Vote Yes on Prop H.

San Francisco Democratic Party

President Board of Supervisors Shamann Walton

Supervisor Connie Chan

Supervisor Hillary Ronen

Vice-Chair San Francisco Democratic Party Keith Baraka

Vice-Chair San Francisco Democratic Party Peter Gallotta

San Francisco Democratic Party Treasurer Carolina Morales

San Francisco Democratic Party Corresponding Secretary Anabel Ibáñez

San Francisco Democratic Party Member Han Zou

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Up the Vote Yes on H.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Mark Leno, 2. Melissa Hernandez, 3. Albany Aroyan.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition H

Let Working Class San Franciscans Vote! Labor Says Yes on Prop H.

As unions, we know firsthand what it means to work together for basic rights and dignified living. Our members are an integral part of keeping this vibrant city running.

Working people face many barriers to voting and we support Prop H because everyone deserves a voice in our city. Vote Yes on Prop H.

San Francisco Labor Council

ILWU Northern California District Council

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Up the Vote Yes on H.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Mark Leno, 2. Melissa Hernandez, 3. Albany Aroyan.

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition H

As supervisors representing culturally diverse communities and a wide range of incomes we see the disparity in voter turnout in our constituencies.

This measure is not about politics, it is about democracy and making sure that our important elected officials are chosen by as many voters as possible. Vote yes on H!

Supervisor Connie Chan

Supervisor Ahsha Safaí

Supervisor Myrna Melgar

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Up the Vote Yes on H.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Mark Leno, 2. Melissa Hernandez, 3. Albany Aroyan.

End of Paid Arguments IN FAVOR of Proposition H

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Paid Arguments Against Proposition H

Paid Argument AGAINST Proposition H

Please vote NO on Proposition H.

Proposition H would eliminate the remaining odd-year election and have regular elections only in even-numbered years. I think the cost savings here are not worth it. I would actually restore the odd-year election that was already eliminated. Local elections are a fundamental part of our local government. There is higher voter turnout when candidates and measures are more controversial.

Proposition H would yield June and November elections in even-numbered years with 5 and 19 month gaps. Appointees to fill vacancies would serve longer before retention elections. Longer ballots and more ballot cards would be needed. Local ballot measures like this one would get lost at the end. I think fewer votes would be cast for some candidates and important measures. Voters just rejected changes to recall elections in June. We need more democracy, not less. There's no good reason for this change.

Please vote NO on Proposition H. Thank you.

David Pilpel

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: David Pilpel.

Paid Argument AGAINST Proposition H

VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION H

If Prop H passes, the majority of voters in San Francisco
will receive 6 ballot cards and be asked to select
20 candidates, plus an additional 20 for the 7 ranked-choice offices, a likely total of 40 candidates.

In addition, the past 6 presidential election ballots have averaged 13 California Initiatives and 17 local Propositions.

Expecting voters to make 70 thoughtful decisions on one ballot is unrealistic.

The San Francisco Republican Party

John Dennis, Chairman

Howard Epstein

Richard Worner

Lisa Remmer

Joseph Bleckman

Yvette Corkrean

William Kirby Shireman

Stephanie Jeong

Clinton Griess

Stephen Martin-Pinto

Leonard Lacayo

SFGOP.org

info [at] sfgop.org

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: San Francisco Republican Party.

The sole contributor to the true source recipient committee: Dahle for Governor.

Arguments are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Arguments are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

Legal Text

Describing and setting forth a proposal to the voters at an election to be held on November 8, 2022, to amend the Charter of the City and County of San Francisco to change the election cycle for the offices of Mayor, Sheriff, District Attorney, City Attorney and Treasurer so that these offices will be elected in even-numbered years; to provide that the current term for the aforementioned offices will end on January 8, 2025 rather than January 8, 2024; to amend the definition of general municipal election so that such elections occur only in even-numbered years; and to change the signature threshold for initiative ordinances to two percent of the number of registered voters in San Francisco.

Section 1. The Board of Supervisors hereby submits to the qualified voters of the City and County, at an election to be held on November 8, 2022, a proposal to amend the Charter of the City and County by revising Sections 13.101, 14.101, and Article XVII, to read as follows:

NOTE: Unchanged Charter text and uncodified text are in plain font.

Additions are single-underline italics Times New Roman font.

Deletions are strike-through italics Times New Roman font.

Asterisks (* * * *) indicate the omission of unchanged Charter subsections.

SEC. 13.101. TERMS OF ELECTIVE OFFICE.

(a) Except in the case of an appointment or election to fill a vacancy, the term of office of each elected officer shall commence at 12:00 noon on the eighth day of January following the date of the election.

(b) Subject to the applicable provisions of Section 13.102, the elected officers of the City and County, and members of the Board of Education and of the Governing Body of the Community College District, shall be elected as follows:

(1) At the general municipal election in 1995 and every fourth year thereafter, a The following officials shall be elected at the general municipal election in 2024 and every fourth year thereafter: Mayor, a Sheriff, and a District Attorney shall be elected., City Attorney, Treasurer, four members of the Board of Education, and four members of the Governing Board of the Community College District.

(2) At the general municipal election in 1996 and every fourth year thereafter, four members of the Board of Education and four members of the Governing Board of the Community College District shall be elected.

(3) At the general municipal election in 2013, and at the general municipal election in 2015 and every fourth year thereafter, a City Attorney and a Treasurer shall be elected. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter including Section 6.100, the term of office for the person elected City Attorney or Treasurer at the general municipal election in 2013 shall be two years.

(42) The following officials shall be elected at the general municipal election in 2022 and every fourth year thereafter:At the general municipal election in 2006 and every fourth year thereafter, an Assessor-Recorder, and Public Defender shall be elected, three members of the Board of Education, and three members of the Governing Board of the Community College District.

(5) At the general municipal election in 1998 and every fourth year thereafter, three members of the Board of Education and three members of the Governing Board of the Community College District shall be elected.

(63) The election and terms of office of members of the Board of Supervisors shall be governed by Section 13.110.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter, including Section 3.101, the term of office for Mayor, City Attorney, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Treasurer that began at noon on January 8, 2020 shall end at noon on January 8, 2025. This five-year term for the office of Mayor shall be deemed a single term for the purposes of term limits under Section 3.101.

SEC. 14.101. INITIATIVES.

An initiative may be proposed by presenting to the Director of Elections a petition containing the initiative and signed by voters in a number equal to at least five two percent of the number of registered voters in the City and Countyvotes cast for all candidates for mayor in the last preceding general municipal election for Mayor. Such initiative shall be submitted to the voters by the Director of Elections upon certification of the sufficiency of the petition’s signatures.

* * * *

ARTICLE XVII: DEFINITIONS

For all purposes of this Charter, the following terms shall have the meanings specified below:

* * * *

“General municipal election” shall mean the election for local officials or measures to be held in the City and County on the Tuesday immediately following the first Monday in November in every year until and including 202215. Thereafter, “general municipal election” shall mean the election for local officials or measures to be held in the City and County on the Tuesday immediately following the first Monday in November in all even-numbered years and in every fourth year following 2015.

* * * *