The purpose of the election procedures contained in this chapter is to provide for the conduct of elections generally in the City of College Park by exercising the powers granted to the Council to provide for the conduct of city elections and for the prevention of fraud in connection with such elections.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all elections, general, special, runoff and referendum, held subsequent to July 1, 1993.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
BALLOT
The means by which a vote is cast. "Ballot" or "ballots" include paper ballots, absentee/mail-in ballots or ballots cast by way of an electronic voting machine or system, by mail or authorized ballot drop box, whichever in context is appropriate.
[Amended 1-11-2005 by Ord. No. 04-O-11; 9-11-2012 by Ord. No. 12-O-07; 4-11-2023 by Ord. No. 23-O-04]
BALLOT, MAIL-IN
A ballot that may be received by mail, and voted by mail or authorized ballot drop box.
[Added 4-11-2023 by Ord. No. 23-O-04]
BUSINESS ENTITY
Any corporation, limited liability company, general or limited partnership, sole proprietorship (including a private consulting operation), joint venture, unincorporated association or firm, institution, trust, foundation or other organization, whether organized for profit or not. As used in this chapter, the term "business entity" shall not include a political committee registered with the city under § 34-11.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT
A report of contributions received and expenditures.
[Amended 3-23-2021 by Ord. No. 21-O-04]
CANDIDATE
Any person who seeks election to the office of Mayor or Council member of the City of College Park.
[Amended 3-23-2021 by Ord. No. 21-O-04]
CONTRIBUTION
A loan, transfer or promise of transfer of money, property, use of property or any other thing of value to any candidate or to any political committee to promote the success or defeat of a candidate or of any matter or issue which has been submitted to a vote at an election or is in the process of being petitioned to referendum. For the purposes of this chapter, volunteered services shall not be considered a "contribution" unless they are professional services. Use of a personal phone, residence or personal vehicle incident to the provision of volunteered services exempt from regulation under this chapter likewise shall be considered exempt from reporting or regulation hereunder.
CONTRIBUTION IN KIND
A contribution of anything other than money.
ELECTION
The process by which the voters of the City of College Park vote for Mayor or Council member, any Charter amendment, proposition or question, and, unless otherwise indicated, shall include all elections, general, special, runoff and referendum.
[Amended 3-23-2021 by Ord. No. 21-O-04]
ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE
The requirement for a candidate signature on a form required by this chapter which is authorized to be electronically filed may be satisfied by inserting the printed name of the person whose signature or affidavit is required.
[Added 9-11-2012 by Ord. No. 12-O-07; amended 4-11-2023 by Ord. No. 23-O-04]
ETHICS COMMISSION
The Ethics Commission of the City of College Park.
INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES
An expenditure by a person or political committee for the publication or distribution of political matter advocating the election or defeat of an identified candidate, which is not made with the cooperation or with the prior consent of, or in consultation with, a candidate; or promoting the success or defeat of any matter or issue which has been submitted to a vote at an election or is in the process of being petitioned to referendum.
PERSON
Includes an individual or business entity.
POLITICAL COMMITTEE
Any combination of two or more persons which assists or attempts to assist in any manner in promoting the success or defeat of a candidate or of any matter or issue which has been submitted to a vote at an election or is in the process of being petitioned to referendum, or any group of individuals, including any civic association, acting in concert for the same purposes to collectively make independent expenditures that exceed $100 in a calendar year.
[Amended 1-11-2005 by Ord. No. 04-O-11]
POLITICAL MATTER
Any pamphlet, circular, card, sample ballot, poster, billboard, advertisement, button, electronic posting or message, or any other printed, photographed, typewritten or written material or statement relating to any candidate or prospective candidate, or any matter or issue which has been submitted to a vote at an election or is in the process of being petitioned to referendum.
[Amended 3-23-2021 by Ord. No. 21-O-04]
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Any service performed by a business entity, and any service performed by a person or group of persons for which such person or group of persons would ordinarily be compensated, and which requires specialized professional, technical or administrative training or experience or experience in a recognized skilled trade or craft. The term "professional services" includes the services of attorneys at law, public accountants, drafters, printers, photographers, graphic artists, public relations experts and consultants.
PUBLIC OFFICE
The office of Mayor or Council member of the City of College Park.[1]
[Amended 3-23-2021 by Ord. No. 21-O-04]
SUPERVISORS
The City of College Park Supervisors of Elections.
[1]
Editor's Note: The definition of “punchcard,” which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 1-11-2005 by Ord. No. 04-O-11.
The City Clerk is authorized to receive, on behalf of the Supervisors of Elections, all petitions of candidacy, notices of election contest, reports of appointment or resignation, campaign finance or other reports required to be filed under the provisions of this chapter. Except as otherwise provided, all reports, petitions or other documents so submitted shall be deemed filed with the Supervisors when received by the City Clerk. All such reports or filings shall be transmitted to the Supervisors of Elections without delay.