Council sends 50%+1 election rule and tiebreaker language to voters after split vote

The City Council voted to send a proposed charter amendment to the ballot that would allow at‑large council candidates to be elected outright in the primary if they receive a majority (50%+1) of votes. Council also approved a separate amendment (presented by Councilmember Parker) to add language addressing ties so that ties in second place in a primary would place all tied second-place candidates on the regular-election ballot.

The proposals triggered a protracted debate. Supporters including Vice Mayor Fugate and others argued the change would simplify the election process, reduce costs, and make primaries more consequential. "I think it's fair for people who are beginning to think about running ... to have an idea if it was going to change," the vice mayor said, explaining timing constraints for placing charter amendments on a gubernatorial or presidential ballot. Opponents warned the change could disenfranchise voters in low-turnout districts, reduce the time for vetting candidates between primary and general elections, and favor better-funded candidates.

Council attorneys noted a potential conflict between the proposed tiebreaker language and existing state law that currently provides mechanisms for breaking tied votes; they said the issue could be litigated if challenged. After amendments and legal clarification, council adopted Parker's tiebreaker amendment for the ballot and then approved the ordinance as amended on first reading; the recorded roll-call vote on first reading was 5 in favor, 4 opposed. The item will appear on the ballot per charter timing rules where voters will have the final say.