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Commissioner urges study of moving Lapeer municipal elections to even years to boost turnout
Summary
During closing remarks a commissioner asked the City of Lapeer to study shifting municipal elections from odd to even years, noting potential turnout and cost benefits and the need to overlap terms; no formal motion was recorded.
A commissioner during closing comments at the Nov. 3 Lapeer City Commission meeting urged the commission to consider shifting municipal elections from odd years to even years to increase voter turnout and reduce election costs.
The speaker said changing the election cycle would require overlapping terms for sitting commissioners if done soon and recommended staff—naming city administrative contacts—to evaluate the fiscal and administrative implications. No formal motion or vote was recorded on the topic during the meeting.
Commissioners framed the suggestion as a topic for future study rather than an immediate policy change; the speaker noted that even‑year local elections often draw higher turnout and may diversify participation by age and race while producing cost savings. Staff were asked to work with administrative colleagues to estimate potential savings and timeline options for any change.
Next steps: the commission did not place an item on a future agenda during the meeting; any change would require ordinance or charter steps and, depending on timing, would involve overlapping terms or interim adjustments to election schedules.
