SB 5266 changes the Voting Rights Act (VRA) to require that all council positions are up for reelection when redistricting under the VRA. The substitute bill that passed out of the Senate adds language to clarify that cities can still stagger the terms of the positions. AWC requested this clarification and we appreciate that the sponsor included this language.
The bill is retroactive, and if passed, goes into effect January 16. This will impact any cities currently redistricting under the VRA who did not adopt an ordinance or charter amendment prior to that date. For more details, please see our previous article.
Please contact Candice with any concerns.