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:
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]
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]
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.
A report of contributions received and expenditures.
[Amended 3-23-2021 by Ord. No. 21-O-04]
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]
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.
A contribution of anything other than money.
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]
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]
The Ethics Commission of the City of College Park.
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.
Includes an individual or business entity.
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]
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]
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.
The office of Mayor or Council member of the City of College
Park.[1]
[Amended 3-23-2021 by Ord. No. 21-O-04]
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.
