California's Democratic-controlled legislature is about to pass a measure that would consolidate many local elections with state elections, in order to help boost turnout.
Here's how the law would work:
Starting in 2018, if voter turnout in a given "political subdivision", such as a city or a school board, is less than a quarter of the average turnout for that same subdivision in the last four statewide general elections, then that jurisdiction will be required to hold any future elections at the same time as the state does.
The hope is to boost voter turnout, so Democrats were in favor of the legislation while Republicans mostly opposed it.
If it's successful, California could serve as a model for other states that face pitiful turnout in local elections, which is basically almost all of them.
The Senate and Assembly have both passed slightly different versions of the law, so once those differences are ironed out, the bill will go to Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature.
Gov. Brown has not publicly indicated whether he supports the idea, but many say it would be a shame if he killed it.
ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 10400-10418
10400. Whenever two or more elections, including bond elections, of any legislative or congressional district, public district, city, county or other political subdivision are called to be held on the same day, in the same territory, or in territory that is in part the same, they may be consolidated pursuant to this chapter upon the order of the governing body or bodies or officer or officers calling
the elections. The elections, whether held under a freeholder charter or under
any state law, or both, may be consolidated, and different elections called by the same governing body may be consolidated.
CLICK HERE to read the full Election Code change for SECTION 10400-10418.
California cities have also looked at consolidating voting dates.
Los Angeles City and School Board elections, advocates recently kicked off what they say will be a “robust” campaign supporting two ballot measures to change when residents go to the polls.
Charter Amendments 1 and 2 would consolidate city and school board contests with state and federal elections starting in 2020. Currently, the City Charter requires city elections to be held in March and May of odd-numbered years, whereas state and federal balloting takes place in June and November of even-numbered years.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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