Bridging the Gap in Local Elections: The Power of Even-Year Voting

Low Turnout, Disproportionate Representation

Despite the fundamental importance of local elections in shaping community policies and decisions, voter turnout remains abysmally low, with less than 20% of eligible voters participating.

Compounding this problem is the glaring disparity in who participates. Wealthier, older, and non-BIPOC residents are far more likely to cast a ballot, resulting in local governments that may not fully represent the diversity of their communities.

Broken Incentives and the Impact on Governance

This low and distorted turnout has a detrimental impact on local governance. Representatives are accountable to a small fraction of their constituents, reducing incentives to prioritize the needs of the broader community.

"Is it any wonder that, in too many cities across the nation, leaders are often accused of doling out favors to friends and cronies, instead of serving the broad public?"

The Solution: Move Local Elections to Even Years

Addressing these issues requires a paradigm shift: moving local elections to the same day as state and federal contests in even years, known as November even-year elections.

Consider the transformational outcomes of such a change: voter turnout skyrocketed to 60% in Baltimore and doubled to a million voters in Los Angeles.

How it Works

Moving local elections to even years capitalizes on the convenience factor. With these contests coinciding with presidential or midterm elections, citizens already planning to vote need only check off a few more boxes on the ballot.

As a result, "not surprisingly then, study after study has found that moving to November even-year elections doubles or even triples turnout."

Increased Representation and Responsive Government

Along with boosting participation, even-year elections alter the composition of the voting population, making it more representative of the community.

For instance, in California, the share of voters over 55 dropped from 50% to 28%, while the Latino vote increased by seven percentage points. This shift directly translates into more representative officials and policies tailored to the median resident.

Popularity and Feasibility

The concept of even-year local elections resonates with voters. Poll after poll finds overwhelming support for this idea, regardless of political affiliation.

Moreover, unlike many other reform proposals, this change does not require an act of Congress. In 19 states, cities have full control over their election dates, and in 24 others, state-level legislation can make this happen.

Call to Action

Even-year local elections are not just a utopian ideal; they are a proven solution implemented in hundreds of cities. Their benefits—increased participation, enhanced representation, and more responsive government—are undeniable.

The question remains: how many of us will invest our energy in these local movements? The trajectory of democracy in our neighborhoods and cities depends on the answer.