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West Des Moines council votes to change municipal election rules, eliminating runoffs
Summary
The council approved on first reading an ordinance to replace current municipal election procedures with a plurality (winner-take-all) method, citing the rarity and cost of runoffs; staff and council said the change can be revisited later if desired.
The West Des Moines City Council voted on the first reading to change the city’s municipal election process from a runoff system to a plurality, winner‑take‑all format.
Council members described runoffs as uncommon and costly. "We spent about $35,000 to have the runoff," said Ryan Jacobson, the city clerk, during discussion of the ordinance options allowed under Iowa law. Supporters said the change reduces taxpayer expense while preserving the ability to alter the ordinance in the future. Councilman Greg Hudson and other members noted that state code limits municipal election types to four options and that the proposed change aligns the city with other municipalities in the region.
The council approved the first reading unanimously (5–0); the item will return for subsequent readings as required by ordinance procedures. Council members stressed that, if experience suggests the change is problematic, the council can revisit the ordinance.
