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Senate debates shifting statewide elections off presidential years; proposal circled for further study
Summary
Senators debated HJR 4, a proposed constitutional amendment to shift statewide elections off the presidential cycle by enacting a single two‑year term in 2004 before returning to four‑year terms. Lawmakers raised turnout, fiscal and county‑election balance concerns and moved to 'circle' the resolution for further study.
Senator John L. Valentine presented HJR 4 on Feb. 11, proposing a one‑time two‑year term in 2004 to move governor and other statewide offices to an off‑year election cycle and thereafter resume four‑year terms.
Valentine said the change would make statewide offices "the focus of the election" rather than being overshadowed by presidential contests. He explained the measure would require 20 votes in the Senate to…
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