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Senate committee advances amendment to move many county elections to August and November
Summary
The State and Local Government Committee approved a constitutional amendment to shift most county elections from May and August to August and November (assessors exempt), aiming to save money and boost turnout. The measure passed committee on a roll call and will go to the calendar.
Leader Hale told the committee the constitutional amendment would move county elections currently held in May and August to August and November while exempting assessor elections so tax-rate setting remains aligned with the presidential primary. He said the goals are to reduce taxpayer costs and increase voter participation in county contests.
Members asked whether city elections would be affected; Hale said the change applies only to county elections. Century Oparo and other members voiced concern that moving local races into high-profile national election cycles could make it harder for voters to focus on local contests. Hale replied that several counties had requested clarification and that the change would reduce confusion and administrative expense. "The goal of this amendment, 1, is to save taxpayer dollars, and 2nd is to increase voter turnout in these county elections," Hale said while explaining the measure.
The clerk recorded a roll-call vote reflecting 7 ayes and 2 noes. With that tally the committee reported Joint Resolution 551 out of committee to the full calendar.
