Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: 4/5ths
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Mark Church, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder & Chief Elections Officer
Subject: Appropriation Transfer Requests for the Conduct of the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation to:
A) Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) to cancel and remove elections funding in the amount of $3,625,058 from the Non-Departmental Services September Budget Revisions; and
B) Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) to establish a budget appropriation and record unanticipated revenue in the amount of $4,170,529 from the California Secretary of State for the conduct of the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election.
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BACKGROUND:
On August 21, 2025, the State Legislature passed Senate Bill 280 as an urgent measure to call a Statewide Special Election on November 4, 2025. The election will allow voters to decide whether to adopt a new legislature-drawn map for California’s congressional districts. Senate Bill 280 is accompanied by Proposition 50, a constitutional amendment, and Assembly Bill 604, which outlines the proposed district boundaries. If approved by voters, the new map would replace the current Citizens Redistricting Commission map for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections, after which redistricting authority would return to the Commission following the 2030 Census.
SB 280 also provides funding and administrative procedures for conducting the special election, including reimbursement to counties for election expenses. On September 5, 2025, the State Controller’s Office distributed payments to county election officials. San Mateo County received $4,170,529 in state funds to cover the costs of the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election.
DISCUSSION:
The Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department is requesting this Board approve two Appropriation Transfer Requests.
The first ATR removes $3,625,058 from Intrafund Transfers that were included in the September Budget Revisions, as the State’s reimbursement method for county election costs was not yet known at that time.
The second ATR increases Intergovernmental Revenues by $4,170,529 and adds budget appropriations to Services and Supplies and Salaries and Benefits to cover expenses for the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
September 14, 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election |
November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election |
|
Number of registered voters in San Mateo County |
440,817 |
445,453 |
|
Percent of Voters who voted in the Special Election |
66.3% |
60% |
The most comparable special statewide election was the California Gubernatorial Recall Election held on September 14, 2021.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the ATRs as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The administration of the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election demonstrates fair and effective government services by ensuring that all registered voters in San Mateo County have access to voting materials and the opportunity to have their voices heard with respect to decisions regarding the congressional district maps.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds in the amount of $4,170,529 will need to be appropriated to pay for costs associated with administering the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election. These ATRs increase Intergovernmental Revenues in the Department’s FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget and cancels $3,625,058 in funding from Non-Departmental Services. There is no Net County Cost.