State Sen. Sharon Runner’s legislation to save taxpayer dollars when a special election proves to be unnecessary passed out of the Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee. Senate Bill 49 would permit the Governor, at his or her discretion, to cancel a special election when only one candidate qualifies to appear on the ballot.

“Expenses add up fast for counties across California when special elections are called,” said Runner, R-Lancaster. “Elections are a vital part of our democratic process, but it is not always necessary to spend millions of taxpayer dollars on an election when only one name appears on the ballot.”

Runner was elected to the Senate in March 2015 in a special election to replace Steve Knight after he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She was the only candidate to appear on the ballot. Nonetheles, Los Angeles County spent $1.4 million on the election while San Bernardino County spent $221,000.

Since 1975, there have been three instances where a special election was conducted with only one candidate officially listed on the ballot. In each case, the candidate won with at least 94% of the vote. SB 49 will eliminate the cost of an election on such rare occasions.

SB 49 is supported by the California State Association of Counties, the County of San Bernardino, County of Sacramento and the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials. It now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Elected in March 2015, Sharon Runner represents portions of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties as Senator for the 21^st District. Her district includes the Antelope Valley, Victor Valley and portions of the Santa Clarita Valley. For more information, visit http://district21.cssrc.us/.