Lawmakers hear split testimony on bill to make local elections partisan

Representative Lucas Schubert opened the hearing on House Bill 482, saying the measure would make local government elections partisan.

“It's just making it so that local government elections are partisan,” Representative Lucas Schubert said, introducing the bill as a transparency measure so voters would “generally understand the ideological profile of a specific candidate.”

The committee heard a mix of testimony. Proponents argued parties increase participation and give voters information; Lisa Bennett, testifying remotely, said local races “lack media coverage” and that parties help mobilize turnout and hold officials to platforms.

Opponents included tribal representatives, county commissioners, municipal lawyers and county election officials who urged the committee to respect local choices. Patchy Yawaki, representing tribal communities, asked…