Ballot Title

Measure L: Initiative Measure to add 157 acres of land to the City of American Canyon Urban Limit Line and Amend the American Canyon General Plan and Municipal Code to Allow Industrial Development and Allow a Community Sports and Activities Center

A city initiative is a process that allows registered voters of the City of American Canyon to propose a new city ordinance, or to amend or repeal an existing ordinance, by gathering a required number of voter signatures and submitting the measure for consideration or placement on a local ballot. 

(California Elections Code §§ 9200-9226)

Any person 18 years of age or older may circulate an initiative petition. Circulators do not need to be registered voters of American Canyon or Napa County. 

(California Elections Code §§ 100, 102)

Only registered voters of the City of American Canyon may sign an initiative petition. Each signer must personally provide: 

• Their signature
• Printed name
• Residence address
• Date signed

Information must match the voter's registration record. 

(California Elections Code § 100)

The number of signatures is based on a percentage of registered voters within the City of American Canyon, as reported by the Napa County Elections Division. 

Generally: 

• 10% of registered voters to qualify an initiative for regular city election
• 15% of registered voters to qualify an initiative for placement at a special election

Signature thresholds are calculated at the time the Notice of Intent is filed. 

(California Elections Code §§ 9210, 9214)

Note: Certain tax repeal or free-reduction initiatives may qualify under different thresholds pursuant to Article XIII C of the California Constitution (Proposition 218). 

Before circulation begins, proponents must file a Notice of Intent with the City Clerk of the City of American Canyon, which includes: 

• The full text of the proposed ordinance, and 
• The names and addresses of the proponents 

The City Attorney then prepares a ballot title and impartial summary within 15 days. No signatures may be collected until this step is completed. 

(California Elections Code §§ 9202, 9203)

Each petition section must include: 

• The official ballot title and summary
• The full text of the proposed measure
• Spaces for voter signatures and required information
• A circulator declaration signed under penalty of perjury

Petitions that do not meet formatting or content requirements may be rejected. 

(California Elections Code §§ 9208, 104, 110)

Proponents have 180 days from the date the ballot title and summary are issued to collect and file signatures with the City Clerk. 

(California Elections Code § 9205)

After filing: 

1. The City Clerk conducts a prima facie review of the petition. 
2. Signatures are submitted for verification through the Napa County Elections Division. 
3. If sufficient, valid signatures are confirmed, the petition is certified. 

The City Council then takes action as required by law, which may include adopting the ordinance or placing the measure on a future ballot. 

(California Elections Code §§ 9211-9215) 

An initiative petition may be filed at any time of the year. 

However, when it appears on the ballot depends on when the petition is filed and certified: 

• If the initiative qualifies at least 88 days before a regularly scheduled municipal election, it will generally be placed on the election ballot. 
• If it qualifies after that deadline, it will be placed on a subsequent election ballot unless the City Council calls a special election or adopts the ordinance directly. 
• After certification, the City Council has limited timeframes under state law to either adopt the ordinance or order the measure to be submitted by voters. 

In addition, Napa County Elections Division deadlines must also be met for signature verification, certification, and ballot preparation. These county deadlines may occur well in advance of the election date. 

For this reason, initiative proponents are strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk's Office early in the process to review applicable deadlines and timing requirements and to ensure eligibility for the desired election. 

(California Elections Code §§ 9214, 9215)

Yes. A voter may withdraw their signature only before the petition is filed with the City Clerk. 

To withdraw a signature, the voter must submit a written request to the City Clerk that includes: 

• The name or title of the initiative petition
• The voter's printed name
• The voter's residence address
• The voter's signature

The request must be received prior to the date the petition is officially filed with the City Clerk. 

Once the petition has been filed, signatures generally may not be withdrawn and will be included in the verification process. 

For your convenience, requests to withdraw signatures from circulating petitions may be submitted electronically by filling out the below form. 

(California Elections Code §§ 103, 9602) 

No. Initiative petitions require original handwritten signatures. Electronic, digital, or photocopied signatures are not accepted for city initiatives. 

(California Elections Code §§ 100, 110)

No. The City Clerk's role is ministerial only and limited to administering filing and verification procedures. The City Clerk cannot provide legal advice regarding the content or legality of the proposed measure. Proponents are encouraged to consult private counsel. 

(California Elections Code § 9203) 

Yes. A filing fee of up to $200 may be required at the time the Notice of Intent is submitted. The fee is refundable if the initiative qualifies for the ballot. 

(California Elections Code § 9202(b))

For initiative petition forms, filing instructions, deadlines, and procedural guidance, please contact: 

The office of the City Clerk at: cityclerk@americancanyon.gov

Signature verification and voter registration statistics are provided by the Napa County Elections Division. 

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