Opinion: Tahoe Senate seat Jan. election could have cost less
By Foon Rhee, Sacramento Bee
It’s worth noting the painful irony today for California taxpayers.
The new Legislature began a special session called by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to fill the $6 billion hole in the current state budget.
At the same time, mail balloting started for the special election Jan. 4 in the 1st Senate District.
Lawmakers flubbed a chance to save cash-strapped counties some real money by not allowing mail-only balloting for the race, which is not likely to be competitive because it is a Republican stronghold.
Instead, election registrars will have to open polling places just like they did Nov. 2, even though a tiny fraction of the electorate will turn out.