City Council reviews election agreement and debates voting methods ahead of 2025 elections

The Woodland Hills City Council meeting on April 8, 2025, focused on preparations for the upcoming municipal elections, including discussions on voting methods and an interlocal agreement with Utah County. The declaration of candidacy period is set to begin on June 2 and will run through June 5, with office hours from 8 AM to 5 PM.

A significant point of discussion was the choice between traditional voting and ranked choice voting. Council members reviewed information regarding both methods, including costs and feedback from the Utah County Clerk. Concerns were raised about the legality and practicality of ranked choice voting, with many council members expressing negative sentiments based on past experiences. They noted that previous elections using ranked choice voting were confusing for voters and resulted in delayed results.

The council also discussed the implications of implementing fast cast ballots, which would require additional trained personnel and incur higher costs. The consensus was that the city lacks the resources to manage this option effectively.

Additionally, the interlocal agreement with the county will facilitate the handling of election logistics, including mailings and ballot tabulation. The council clarified that they are not committing to ranked choice voting at this time and can decide against it in the future without needing to pass a resolution immediately.

In conclusion, the council's discussions highlighted the challenges and considerations surrounding the upcoming elections, emphasizing a preference for traditional voting methods due to concerns over ranked choice voting and resource limitations. The next steps will involve finalizing the interlocal agreement and preparing for the candidacy declaration period.