Title
Resolution - A Resolution of the City of Mansfield, Texas, Calling for a General Election to be held Jointly with the Mansfield Independent School District on May 9, 2015; Designating Polling Places; Establishing Election Precincts within the City; Appointing an Election Judge and an Alternate Judge; Establishing Other Procedures for Conduct of the Election; Establishing a Date for Canvassing Returns; Establishing a Date for Runoff Election, if Necessary; and Providing an Effective Date
Requested Action
Approve the resolution approving a Joint Election Agreement for Election Services with the Mansfield Independent School District.
Recommendation
City staff recommends the City Council approve the Joint Election Agreement between the City of Mansfield and the Mansfield Independent School District.
Description/History
since 2000, the City of Mansfield has contracted with the Tarrant Council Elections Administration (TCEA) to conduct the city's election. TCEA has made the decision to only conduct the portion of the city's election for the voters in Tarrant County. This decision affects the voters in the city as well as the school district. The City of Mansfield consists of voters located in Tarrant, Johnson and Ellis c Counties. The Mansfield Independent School District (MISD) consists of voters located in Tarrant and Johnson Counties. Therefore, arrangements need to be made to accommodate the voters in Johnson and Ellis Counties for the city and school voters.
The 2015 General Elections ordered by the City and MISd are to be held on the same day. This agreement provides for a combined election, with all races on one voting ballot or the City's registered voters and a separate ballot for the MISd registered voters. The purpose of combining the elections is to maintain consistency and accessibility in voting practices, polling places, and election procedures in order to best assist the voters of Mansfield. Early voting and Election Day polling places will be combined, making it more convenient for the voters. The City will be responsible for conducting both elections, providing for significant cost savings for the City and MiSd.
All aspects of the City and MISD election are separate except for the joint use of the ES&S AutoMARK machine for handicap accessible voting.
The City and MISD have agreed to sign a joint election agreement holding the elections together and allowing the city to conduct the election that involve the voters in Johnson and Ellis counties (City) and Johnson County (MISD).
There are terms in the agreement for payment for election supplies and services. MISD trustees approved the Joint Election Agreement at their regular scheduled meeting on March 24, 2015.
Justification
Voting for current issues will be conducted in one location making the process easier for the voters.
Funding Source
All election costs are budgeted in the City Council Line Item 01-8806-11-01. MISd will pay 50% of election costs as stated in the joint agreement.
Prepared By
Vicki Collins, TRMC, City Secretary, City Secretary's Office
817-276-4204