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Commission debate centers on moving Deerfield Beach elections to November and 20-month incumbent extensions
Summary
Commissioners debated a proposal to shift municipal elections from March odd years to November even years beginning 2028, a change that would extend current terms by roughly 20 months to preserve staggered terms; opponents said extensions deny voters, proponents cited turnout and cost savings.
Item d proposed moving municipal elections from March of odd-numbered years to November of even-numbered years beginning in 2028 and explained the resulting approximate 20-month extension for sitting commissioners to preserve staggered terms. The city attorney said the 20-month figure is a "mathematical byproduct" of moving from a March odd-year schedule to November even years and that state law constrains moving to a November odd-year election.
Commissioner Shanitzky said he was "very, very strongly in favor of keeping the March election" and called the 20-month extension "extremely egregious," arguing incumbents were elected to four-year terms and should not be extended. Vice Mayor Hudak and Mayor Drozsky said voters have long asked for November elections and that higher turnout and election-cost savings (public comment cited roughly $60,000 per March election) support sending the question to voters. Commissioner Preston expressed concern that the extension would be seen as extending incumbents' time in office and said he preferred keeping March elections.
