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35 <br /> 1 • whether there would be a formal application process; and <br /> 2 • any other details regarding the establishment of the committee. <br /> 3 <br /> 4 Based on direction given at that meeting, the Clerk's Office began soliciting membership <br /> 5 applications from Orange County residents for fifteen (15) seats for the BOCC Elections <br /> 6 Advisory Group, with appointments to be made by January 31, 2021. The Group materials <br /> 7 noted that the purpose is to "study alternative methods/districts to elect the Board of County <br /> 8 Commissioners (BOCC) and make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners." <br /> 9 <br /> 10 Staff advertised the application opportunity on the County website and also published two <br /> 11 Public Service Announcements regarding the Group. The opportunity for service was also <br /> 12 shared on WCHL radio station. An announcement also occurred at the Board's October 20, <br /> 13 2020 Business meeting that the County was recruiting for potential appointees to the BOCC <br /> 14 Elections Advisory Group and that applications were available on the County Website under <br /> 15 Board of Commissioners -Volunteer Advisory Boards & Commissions. <br /> 16 <br /> 17 The County has received applications from twenty-three (23) interested individuals. The <br /> 18 applications for these individuals are attached. A vacant membership roster is also provided for <br /> 19 reference. <br /> 20 <br /> 21 As part of the process establishing the Group and appointing members, a question was raised <br /> 22 regarding a Group Chair. It has been suggested that the Board direct the Group to select Co- <br /> 23 Chairs, with one individual from the District 1 area of the County and one individual from the <br /> 24 District 2 area of the County. Staff requests that the Board address this topic and provide <br /> 25 direction. <br /> 26 <br /> 27 Also as part of establishing the Group, another question has been raised regarding the desired <br /> 28 outcomes from the Group. It is requested that the Board provide any further guidance regarding <br /> 29 the framework for feedback the Group may provide. <br /> 30 <br /> 31 Chair Price encouraged the Board to look for as much diversity as possible when <br /> 32 nominating applicants to the advisory group. <br /> 33 John Roberts said there are still open issues about what the group will do, but he will <br /> 34 address those after the members are approved. <br /> 35 Chair Price asked if anyone would like to explain the background of the group and why it <br /> 36 was conceived. <br /> 37 Commissioner Dorosin said he drafted a charge for the advisory group, which he read in <br /> 38 the meeting and shared on the screen: <br /> 39 <br /> 40 To review, research, and evaluate the current method of electing commissioners, as well <br /> 41 as any alternative electoral methods or models, including not limited to single member districts, <br /> 42 aligning primary and general election methods, multi-seat elections, and the number of <br /> 43 commissioners. The Advisory Group shall assess all options and alternatives pursuant to the <br /> 44 following criteria: <br /> 45 • Constitutional and statutory requirements and voting rights law; <br /> 46 • Proportionality <br /> 47 • Equity <br /> 48 • Uniformity <br /> 49 • Simplicity/clarity <br /> 50 0 Maximizing voter engagement <br />