Committee hears competing testimony on allowing local governments to move elections to even‑numbered years

Olympia — The State Government & Tribal Relations Committee on Tuesday held an extended hearing on House Bill 1339, which would permit cities, towns and special purpose districts in Washington to shift their regular elections from odd‑numbered years to even‑numbered years by ordinance, voter approval or initiative.

Connor Schiff, counsel to the committee, explained the mechanics: jurisdictions may adopt an ordinance or policy, refer an ordinance or charter amendment to voters, or have citizens propose an initiative or charter amendment where local law allows. The change requires two public hearings before adoption, the final vote must be at least 30 days after the second hearing, and the jurisdiction must adopt the swap before Jan. 15 of an odd‑numbered year to affect that cycle. The law also allows sponsors to…