Measure Q | californiachoices.org

My vote

CITY OF RIVERSIDE—Would amend the Charter of the City of Riverside to require the City Council to appoint to fill a vacancy in elected office with up to one year remaining on the term, to call a special election to fill a vacancy with over one year remaining on the term, to call a special run-off election when no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for the vacant office, and to prohibit appointed officials from referencing "incumbent", "member of the City Council", or other designation indicating incumbency in a future election for the same seat. Measure Q requires simple majority (50% + 1) to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Would be the cost of calling each special election, which is currently estimated at $63,000.

Next Riverside County Measure: Measure R

See Endorsements for Measure Q

Details

Pro/Con

Pro:

Proponents of Measure Q argue that the measure will ensure individuals who fill a vacant seat on the City Council are voted in by the people and not appointed by local politicians. They argue that the measure is necessary to preserve the fundamental right to elect leadership.

A YES vote on this measure means: The Charter of the City of Riverside will be amended to change how vacant seats are filled on the City Council, among other changes.

Con:

No argument in opposition to Measure Q has been submitted.

A NO vote on this measure means: The Charter of the City of Riverside will not be amended.

In Depth

In Depth:

The Riverside City Charter currently provides that a vacancy in an elected office, from whatever cause arising, except in the event of a successful recall, shall be filled by appointment by the City Council, such appointee to hold office until the first Tuesday following the next general municipal election and until his successor qualifies. The Riverside City Charter currently provides that if the City Council fails to fill a vacancy by appointment within 60 days after the office is declared vacant, then the City Council must cause an election to be held. The Riverside City Charter currently does not prohibit appointed officials from referencing “incumbent”, “member of the City Council”, or other designation indicating incumbency, in a subsequent election for the same seat.

If approved by the majority of voters, Measure Q would amend the Riverside City Charter to require the City Council to: appoint to fill a vacancy in elected office with up to one year remaining on the term; call a special election to fill a vacancy in elected office with over one year remaining on the term; call a special run-off election when no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for the vacant office; and prohibit appointed officials from referencing “incumbent”, “member of the City Council”, or other designation indicating incumbency, in a subsequent election for the same seat.

Source: City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure Q

Voter Resources

Official Resources

Riverside County Elections Office

City of Riverside Elections

Nonpartisan Analysis

Riverside County, California ballot measures. Ballotpedia.