The idea to permit cities to move their general elections to year-numbered years has returned to the legislature. The House version of the bill has seen the most attention so far this session.

HB 1339 is sponsored by Rep. Mia Gregerson (D–SeaTac). It permits cities, towns, and special purpose districts to hold their elections during even-numbered years if they so choose. The decision to switch to even-year elections can be made by adoption of an ordinance by the jurisdiction’s legislative body (with notice to the county), referendum, or ballot initiative.

If the switch is done by ordinance, the legislative body must hold at least two public hearings before adoption of the ordinance. The ordinance or ballot measure must include how to address the “transitional terms” of sitting elected officials, either by extending their term by one year or reducing it by one year. Cities that make the switch must switch all their elected positions to even year elections. If a city decides to return to odd year elections, transitional terms of sitting elected officials must be one year shorter than a typical term.

HB 1339 was heard in the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee on January 21 but has not yet been voted on. The Senate companion bill is SB 5373, sponsored by Sen. Bill Ramos (D–Issaquah). So far it has not seen any action.

There has been interest in this idea over the past few sessions, with bills on this topic coming in 2024 and 2023. There are merits to the idea of moving city elections to even years. Election costs are shared by all the jurisdictions with items on the ballot, so costs during even years are spread out among more jurisdictions, which would lower the cost for cities. In addition, voter participation is roughly 25% higher in even years versus odd years because those elections include state and federal offices.

However, there are concerns with the idea as well. City elections would appear towards the bottom of a crowded ballot. This could cause “down ballot fatigue” and negatively impact voting on local issues. City elected officials would also not be able to run for other offices, since current law prohibits candidates from appearing on the ballot twice. Some city elected officials run for county, state, or other elected positions in even years and are able to do so without vacating their city seat.

AWC supports policies that preserve local control and input regarding how elections are administered.