Citizens' Advisory Committee on Elections
MINUTES
of the
Citizens Advisory Committee on Elections
Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at 5:30 p.m.
City Hall
Room 400
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Kathy Grogan, Chair at 5:38 p.m.
Present: Christopher Bowman
Laura Brainin-Rodriguez.
Ed Canapary
Larry Griffin
Kathy Grogan
Susan Horsfall
Marcel Kapulica
Joan Lewis
Anne Politeo
Samson Wong
Phil Paris, Acting Director of Elections
Chris Hayashi, Department of Elections
Jennifer Novak, Department of Elections
Boris Delepine, Department of Elections
Max Peltz, City Attorney
Members of the Public; Peter Bagatelos, Charles Kalish, and David Pilpel.
2. Report of the Chair
Minutes will be moved to the next meeting.
Kathy Grogan reported that the San Francisco Housing Authority requested to have the Department of Elections assist in the Resident Association Election.
Three seats expire on May 15, 2001; Larry Griffin, Chris Bowman and Samson Wong.
Channel 20 contacted Kathy regarding the District 7 Recount. Kathy responded that the CACE had no response.
3. Director of Elections Report
Phil Paris introduced Department of Elections Staff;
Chris Hayashi, Public Relation
Boris Delepine, Campaign Services
Dr. Paris announced that the Director, Patricia Fado, had a baby boy.
Dr. Paris reported that he met with SF Fair Vote. Charles Kalish made some comments at the last CACE meeting. Dr. Paris provided a statement regarding regularities that they found. Included in this report was an executive summary, guidelines and solutions.
Dr. Paris reported that the December 12th Election was certified and the Recount of Dist 7 will begin on January 12, 2001 from 9:00 am through 4:00 pm. The Department of Elections will be following the Secretary of States guidelines on voter requested recounts. The Department has set up protocols. Council from the City Attorney's Office and a Secretary of State Representative will be present.
It was agreed upon that the Citizen's Advisory Committee on Elections could have a self-volunteered member present to observe the recount in a sequestered area, but that observer would not be able to challenge ballots.
Dr. Paris stated that he had reviewed the Committee's report and plans for continued improvement. The Department's Staff had come up with the same recommendations as the Committee. He will move very quickly to make changes. He thanked the Committee for the report.
Susan Horsfall requested a report of Absentee Voters that had voted in December. Dr. Paris stated that it is important in the future to have the request in writing.
Chris Bowman asked why there was an 85% return in November and a 68% return in December. In previous elections the response doesn't vary that much.
Dr. Paris stated that he would look into that and get back to the Committee.
4. Old Business
A. Prioritization & Selection of Proponent / Opponent Arguments in the Voters Information Pamphlet - Chris Bowman reported a meeting is scheduled with two members of the CACE and the President of the Board of Supervisors. Chris and Anne will distribute information through Jennifer Novak, Department of Elections.
B. Transparency of Voting, C. Polling Places / Poll Worker Recruitment, D. Multilingual / Multimedia Services - Samson Wong requested that these items be taken off the agenda until future notice.
E - Voter Outreach efforts by CACE members - This item was removed form the Agenda.
F. - Voter Information Pamphlet study on usage - subcommittee by CACE Members - The Subcommittee will consist of the following members; Chris Bowman, Anne Politeo and Ed Canapary. This committee will schedule their own meetings.
G. - Comments on December 12, 2000 Election - Covered during the Director's Report
H. - Report on Absentee Ballots
5. New Business
A. Update of Website
B. Review of all unapproved minutes to be distributed late January for approval in February
Jennifer Novak will look into these items and update at next meeting.
5. Committee Members' Question and Answers
Joan Lewis stated concerns regarding Peter Bagatelos' letter and concerns about public appearance.
Kathy Grogan stated that she had spoken with the Director of Elections and anyone that was at the Department of Elections was there as individuals and not committee members.
Susan Horsfall stated that the word recount was improperly used in that letter. She had only requested to look at disqualified absentee voters ballots. The Director of Elections informed the two campaigns that this was happening.
Chris Bowman stated that he had never viewed a recount. He only requested verbally and in writing was for information on under and over counts.
Charles Kalish reported numerous problems that occurred election day.
Peter Bagatelos, with Supervisor Hall Campaign, stated that his concerns were with the procedures of this committee. He was concerned about avoiding conflict of interest. It is important to appear non-partisan.
Larry Griffin stated that the City Attorney was going to report back to the committee regarding electioneering. Larry requested that this item be placed on the agenda.
David Pilpel stated that having clear procedures for the Committee would benefit everyone.
Next Meeting - will be February 14, 2001
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned by Kathy Grogan at 7:23pm.
