Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Elections Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pocatello council removes mayoral runoff requirement in ordinance change
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 26b to eliminate the majority-runoff requirement for mayoral elections, citing cost and limited instances where the second-place candidate later wins runoffs. Council members discussed state comparisons and cost of runoffs before passing the measure.
The Pocatello City Council voted on Ordinance 26b to amend the municipal code and eliminate the majority requirement and a December runoff for mayoral contests.
Council member Cheatham introduced the ordinance and said discussions with the secretary of state indicated most first-place holders continue to win runoffs in Idaho; he cited research showing a low frequency of the second-place candidate prevailing and argued the city could save taxpayer funds (Council members cited $60,000'$70,000 as typical runoff costs) and avoid intensely personal runoff campaigns.
Council member Paulson and others added local examples showing runoff winners are rare. After discussion and a title reading by city staff, council held a roll-call vote and adopted the ordinance on final passage. The ordinance revises title 2 (administration and personnel) and specifically section 2.04.0.02 of the Pocatello Municipal Code to eliminate the runoff requirement for mayoral elections. The change will take effect following passage and publication.
