The purpose of the election procedures contained in this title are to provide for the conduct of elections generally in the City by exercising the powers granted to the Council to provide for the conduct of registration, nominations and voting in City elections and for the prevention of fraud in connection with such elections. (Prior code § 4D-1)

As used in this title, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated unless a contrary meaning is clearly intended from the context in which the term appears.
“Authorized representative” means any person appointed or designated by a candidate or a political committee to file campaign reports or to be responsible for political matter published or distributed.
“Ballot” is the means by which a vote is cast. “Ballot” or “ballots” include paper ballots, punchcards. absentee ballots or the labels which appear on the face of the voting machine, whichever in context is appropriate.
“Campaign report” means a report of contributions received by any candidate or political committee.
“Candidate” means any person who seeks election as Mayor or Councilmember.
“Contributions” means a gift, loan, transfer of money or other thing of value to any candidate, his or her representative or to a political committee to promote the success or defeat of a candidate or of any matter or issue which has been submitted to a vote at an election or is in the process of being petitioned to referendum.
“Election” means the process by which the voters of the City vote for Mayor or Councilmember, any Charter amendment, proposition or question and, unless otherwise indicated, shall include all elections, general, special, runoff and referendum.
“Political committee” means any combination of 2 or more persons which has as one of its purposes to promote the success or defeat of a candidate or of any matter or issue which has been submitted to a vote at an election or is in the process of being petitioned to referendum.
“Political matter” means any pamphlet, circular, card, sample ballot, poster, billboard, advertisement, button or any other printed, photographed, typewritten or written material or statement relating to or concerning any candidate or prospective candidate or any matter or issue which has been submitted to a vote at an election or is in the process of being petitioned to referendum.
“Punchcard” means a computer tabulating card on which a voter may record his or her vote by punching a hole opposite his or her choices.
“Registration” means the act by which a person becomes qualified to vote in any election in the City.
“Surplus campaign funds” means funds left in a candidate’s campaign account after the election is over and all campaign debts (including all loans) have been paid.
“Voting system” means a method of casting and tabulating ballots or votes. (Prior code § 4D-2)