Proposal to make municipal elections partisan and move dates sparks legal, local-control concerns; sponsor rolls bill for a week

Chairman Cipicchi presented HB 14-97, a bill that would require municipal legislative bodies to change municipal-election dates to coincide with the August primary or November general election and would make municipal elections partisan.

"What this bill does, house bill 14 97, it requires legislative body of each municipality to change the date of municipal elections to coincide with the August primary or November general elections. It makes municipal elections partisan and standardizes the election timetable for referendums for the incorporation of a new municipality," Chairman Cipicchi said. He and other supporters framed the measure as a way to boost turnout and increase transparency by aligning local elections with higher-profile contests.

Members raised several concerns about the proposal’s effects on charter cities, runoffs and small municipalities. Representative Powell and others warned the change could undermine local charters and make it harder for down-ballot candidates to connect with voters; Representative Birkin and Vice Chairman Wright described practical problems for small towns and said local officials should have input. Legislative Legal Services attorney Josh Houston advised that the bill, "notwithstanding a charter provision to the contrary, municipal elections are partisan," and said a general law can override private acts or charter provisions. After discussion and requests for follow-up legal answers, the sponsor asked to roll the bill for a week and the chair agreed.