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9A Page 4 increase to finance the program. These actions also stipulated that before the end of 2007, the membership would vote again on whether the Grassroots Network should be continued. The voting will occur during the annual conference in Sacramento, on Sept. 5-8. The League has engaged APCO Insight, an independent research firm, to conduct a confidential opinion survey to help the League understand members' expectations and attitudes towards the League's legislative and ballot measure advocacy, especially grassroots activities. This is the third in a series of surveys conducted to evaluate the Grassroots Network. A baseline was established in 2001 and a survey to measure progress was conducted in 2004, This year's survey will assess how members view the contributions of the Grassroots Network before a decision is made concerning the future of the program. If you received a questionnaire, please complete it promptly. The questionnaire may be completed in hard copy and mailed to the research firm in a postage-paid envelope, or it may be completed online through the Web site address provided in the questionnaire. A thoughtful (esponse Wlll take apprGXin-~atel'y iv miniitcS and Wi~Uid be greatly appreciated as we evaluate the program. Editor's Note: !f you have questions about this project (or if you were not selected but would like to participate) please contact either Dan Harrison of the League of (916) 858- 8267 or dharrison(a~cacities.orp, or Chrystine Zacherau with APCO insight of (202) 778- 9000 or czacherau a(~apcoinsiphf.com. All-Mail Ballot Bill is Introduced - AB 1654 {Huffman) Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) recently introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1654, a measure that if passed, would permit an all-mail ballot election as an option in a general law city. All-mail ballots are not a new topic within the State Legislature. Previous measures dealing with this issue have not met with a great deal of success. Given the costs that cities must endure with precinct elections (training of poll workers, equipment rental, hiring field supervisors, etc.), local governments continue to support all-mail ballot efforts. The League of California Cities will work with Assemblyman Huffman to flesh out the merits of all- mail ballots. Vote by mail through absentee ballots is quickly becoming the preferred choice among California voters. The percentages have reached beyond the 40 percentile of those casting votes in statewide elections with some communities exceeding the 50 percent mark. Discussions have commenced between the League, the City Clerks Association of California (CCAC), labor and members of the Legislature regarding this topic. At the present time, the prospect of an all-mail ballot reaching the Governor's desk is still unknown. The League is committed to supporting an all-mail ballot measure, and is interested in all feedback on the issue -whether in support or in opposition. Letters of support for AB 1654 can be sent to Mr. Huffman's office with a copy to P. Anthony Thomas at the League office. Letters of support should be sent to the members of the Assembly Elections Committee. Those members are: • Curren D. Price (chair) • Anthony Adams (vice chair) • Mark Leno • Lloyd E. Levine • Roger Niello • Lori Saldaria