February 19, 2007

"Special election costs detailed"

"Just what does an election cost the county?

According to Mendocino County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder Marsha Wharff, the figure depends on the number of contests on the ballot, and the jurisdictions they are sponsored by.

"Every election is different," Wharff said.

This week, she explained to The Daily Journal how her office computed the estimated $150,000 cost the county stands to incur from the District Attorney Special Election set for April 3.

"When we make an estimate, we base it on what past elections have cost us," Wharff said.

Here's how the $150,000 breaks down:

Sample and official ballots: $60,000

According to Wharff, 63,750 ballots have been ordered for the special election. That's 3,250 less than were ordered for November general election.

"We can order less for a special election because the turnout is generally less," Wharff said. "We base our orders on what we believe we're going to need."

The article is here.

Posted by Randy Riddle at February 19, 2007 11:25 AM