Bill allowing cities to switch to even year elections up again this year

SB 5723, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D–Seattle), establishes procedures for cities and towns in Washington to switch to even-numbered year elections. This policy proposal has come up in the legislature several times in the past few years, but SB 5723 allows for more local control than prior bills.

To transition to even-year elections, cities and towns would need to pass an ordinance or get voter approval of a referendum. The adoption of even-year elections would be irrevocable.

Unlike versions we’ve seen in past years, this bill maintains local control. Previous versions of this legislation required cities to switch to even year elections – SB 5723 provides cities the choice.

Proponents suggest several benefits for even year elections, including:

1. It could reduce election costs for cities. Election costs are shared across all agencies who have candidates or initiatives on a ballot. By switching to even years, cities could potentially lower their costs for elections.
2. Increased voter participation – Roughly 25% more people vote in even years compared to odd years.

Some concerns regarding even year elections:

1. Crowded ballots – including city elections on general election ballots will force city elected positions and city initiatives close to the bottom of ballots. This could have a negative impact on the number of people voting on local issues due to “down ballot fatigue.”
2. Inability for elected officials to run for other offices – Current laws prohibit a candidate from appearing twice on the same ballot for elected offices. It is not uncommon to have city councilmembers run for county, state, or other elected positions in off years. This allows them to run for office without vacating their seat. As the bill is written, there are no provisions for this issue.

The bill is currently awaiting floor action by the Senate.