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Frederick board refers election‑date change to April ballot, citing turnout and cost savings
Summary
The board voted 4–0 to place Resolution 26 R03 on the April ballot asking voters whether to move regular town elections from April to November; staff cited turnout and cost differences between coordinated November elections and town-hosted April elections.
The Town of Frederick Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Jan. 21 to refer Resolution 26 R03 to the April 2026 ballot, asking residents whether regular town elections should move from April to coordinated November elections in even-numbered years.
Clerk Emily (presenting staff) said the change is intended to increase voter turnout and reduce election costs. She cited the town's recent election data, stating the total number of votes cast in April 2024 was 1,232 while the coordinated November 2023 election drew 4,438 voters. Emily said that difference represents an increase of 3,196 voters when the municipality participates in a coordinated November election.
She also presented cost comparisons: a coordinated 2023 election cost the town about $15,400, while hosting the April 2024 election cost roughly $35,000, largely because of ballot printing and temporary equipment rentals.
The resolution, as presented, sets the ballot title, refers the question to voters and explains that if the change is approved, trustee terms will be extended by six months to align with the new schedule (for example, terms elected in 2024 would expire in November 2028). The board discussed public outreach materials and the FAQ page the clerk's office has prepared.
Trustee Steve March moved to approve Resolution 26 R03 and the motion passed on a 4–0 roll-call vote with Trustees Mahan, March, Lamont and Padilla recorded in favor.
Clerk Emily and staff noted statutory limits on using public funds to advocate for or against the ballot question and said staff can provide neutral information and one possible resolution in support if the board directs it before the election.
What happens next: The clerk's office will place the referred question on the April ballot; if voters approve, the town will adopt implementing ordinances and extend trustee terms as described in the resolution.
