Washington State Bill to Shift Local Elections to Even-Numbered Years

February 5, 2025

The Northwest Progressive Institute (NPI) has made significant strides in advancing legislation that would allow local jurisdictions in Washington State to choose their own election timing. The bill, HB 1339, has received a “do pass” recommendation from the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee, marking a crucial step forward in the legislative process. This bill aims to transition regular elections for local entities to even-numbered years, with odd-year elections remaining the default.

The Current State of Voter Turnout

Discrepancies in Voter Turnout

In Washington State, there is a notable difference in voter turnout between even and odd years. Federal and state elections, which occur in even-numbered years, see significantly higher voter participation compared to local elections held in odd-numbered years. This sharp contrast in voter turnout is largely attributed to the increased media attention and civic engagement that accompany federal and state elections. Voters are more likely to cast their ballots when they feel the stakes are higher, explaining the discrepancy in turnout rates.

Many local jurisdictions, such as counties and public utility districts, that hold their elections in even-numbered years experience a turnout that can be up to double that of city or port elections held in odd-numbered years. This disparity raises concerns about the representativeness of local elections, as a smaller, less engaged electorate in odd years could lead to outcomes that do not accurately reflect the will of the broader community. Enhancing voter participation across the board ensures that elected officials are truly representative of their constituents.

Impact on Local Jurisdictions

Local jurisdictions that conduct elections in odd-numbered years often face significant challenges related to voter engagement. The lower turnout during these elections means that the decisions on local matters—from school boards to city councils—are made by a smaller pool of voters, which can skew the outcomes. This uneven participation can lead to governance that does not fully align with the preferences of the overall population, resulting in policy decisions that may not best serve the community’s interests.

The heightened voter turnout in even-numbered years not only reflects increased civic engagement but also improves the quality of representation in governance. When more people vote, the elected officials are more likely to face greater scrutiny and accountability. This dynamic ensures that the policies and initiatives they implement are more aligned with the will of the electorate. By shifting local elections to even-numbered years, jurisdictions can harness the increased voter interest and engagement, fostering a more active and representative democracy at the local level.

Legislative Support and Opposition

Democratic Support for HB 1339

The primary sponsor of HB 1339 is State Representative Mia Gregerson of the Democratic Party (D-33rd District: SeaTac and Southeast King County). Representative Gregerson’s sponsorship underscores the strong backing the bill has received within the Democratic caucus, reflecting broader voter sentiment as captured in NPI’s research polling. The push for this legislation is driven by a desire to consolidate elections to enhance voter turnout and civic engagement, geared towards ensuring more representative outcomes in local elections.

Supporters within the Democratic Party argue that consolidating elections in even-numbered years will lead to more consistent voter participation, thereby ensuring that the voices of a larger segment of the population are heard. This shift is seen as an essential step towards creating a more equitable and engaged electoral process. By aligning local elections with federal and state elections, the legislators believe they can harness the higher voter turnout that traditionally accompanies these events, thereby maximizing civic participation and representation.

Republican Opposition and Concerns

Despite the strong support from Democratic lawmakers, HB 1339 has met with opposition from several Republican representatives. The concerns raised by opponents such as State Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh revolve around potential logistical challenges and voter fatigue. Walsh has expressed apprehensions that consolidating elections to even-numbered years could result in unwieldy ballots, potentially deterring voter participation in local races that might be placed towards the end of long, cluttered ballots.

Walsh also argues that his constituents prefer the current system, which allows them to focus on local issues during odd-year elections and state and federal issues during even-year elections. This separation, according to him, provides clarity and prevents voters from feeling overwhelmed by an excessive number of choices in a single election cycle. However, this argument is countered by data indicating that voter turnout in odd years has consistently been among the lowest in state history, suggesting that the status quo may not be serving voters’ interests in an optimal way.

Broader Support for Election Timing Reform

National and Local Endorsements

The push for election timing reform has garnered significant support from a wide array of stakeholders, ranging from local voters in Washington State to national organizations that represent varied political ideologies. Proponents of the reform emphasize several key benefits, including increased voter turnout, greater voter engagement, cost savings for taxpayers, and better alignment of elected officials’ policies with voter preferences. These advantages underscore the potential for more representative and participatory democracy at the local level.

Support for election consolidation is not limited to Washington State. Across the nation, various organizations, advocacy groups, and think tanks have recognized the value of aligning local elections with higher-turnout electoral cycles. These proponents argue that consolidating elections in even-numbered years can lead to more informed and engaged electorates, thereby improving the overall quality of democratic governance. By taking steps to enhance voter participation, jurisdictions can ensure that elected officials are more accountable and responsive to the broader electorate.

Cross-Party Recognition

One of the most notable aspects of the push for election timing reform is its recognition and support across party lines. In Montana, for instance, Republican Senator Chris Friedel has sponsored similar legislation, citing concerns over voter fatigue due to the frequency of elections and the necessity for change to foster better voter participation. This bipartisan recognition highlights the universal acknowledgment of the issues caused by staggered election schedules and the consensus on the need for reform.

Furthermore, several national conservative think tanks and advocacy groups, including the American Enterprise Institute, Americans for Prosperity, the America First Policy Institute, and the Heritage Foundation, have endorsed the idea of election consolidation. These groups argue that moving towards even-year elections will enhance democratic participation and increase local control. They challenge the current practice of off-cycle elections, contending that it suppresses voter turnout and disenfranchises large segments of the electorate. Their support underscores the widespread belief that reforming election timing can lead to more robust and representative democratic practices.

Addressing Concerns and Moving Forward

Logistical and Industry Concerns

Opponents of HB 1339, such as Republican Representative Rob Chase, have raised several concerns, particularly regarding the potential disruption to the political consulting industry. This industry benefits from staggered election schedules, which provide business continuity and sustain a steady demand for consulting services throughout the year. However, proponents believe that the industry will have ample time to adapt to the new election schedule, as the potential enactment timeline for the bill suggests that changes would not take effect until 2030.

The argument that the political consulting industry would suffer from the consolidation of elections is viewed as relatively minor compared to the potential benefits of enhanced voter engagement and participation. Proponents contend that the industry can adjust its business models and strategies to accommodate the new schedule. Moreover, the overarching goal of improving democratic participation and ensuring more representative local governance outweighs the temporary inconvenience to the consulting industry. The shift towards even-year elections is seen as a necessary evolution in the electoral process to better serve the electorate.

Precedents and Feasibility

King County’s ongoing transition to even-year elections, following a successful charter amendment in 2022, serves as an important precedent demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of this approach. The case of King County highlights how jurisdictions can effectively implement such reforms, leading to enhanced voter engagement and improved democratic outcomes. The transition in King County reflects a proactive move towards aligning local elections with higher voter turnout cycles, thereby maximizing civic participation and ensuring that elected officials truly represent their constituents.

This precedent underscores that the proposed changes under HB 1339 are not only feasible but also practical and beneficial in the long term. The successful implementation in King County provides a model for other jurisdictions to follow, showcasing the potential for smoother transitions and the tangible benefits of increased voter engagement. By drawing on the lessons learned from King County’s experience, other local jurisdictions in Washington State can navigate the logistical challenges and realize the full advantages of consolidating elections in even-numbered years.

Conclusion

The Northwest Progressive Institute (NPI) is making notable progress in promoting legislation that empowers local jurisdictions in Washington State to determine their own election timing. The bill in question, HB 1339, recently garnered a “do pass” recommendation from the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee, signifying a crucial advancement in the legislative process. The goal of this bill is to shift regular elections for local entities to even-numbered years while maintaining odd-year elections as the default.

This change is significant because it could potentially increase voter turnout and engagement, as even-year elections typically see higher participation due to coinciding with state and federal elections. By allowing local jurisdictions the option to move their elections to even-numbered years, the bill aims to make the electoral process more efficient and accessible.

Moreover, this move aligns with NPI’s mission to foster progressive policies and enhance democratic participation. It reflects a broader national trend of seeking ways to streamline and harmonize election schedules to promote greater voter involvement. If passed, HB 1339 could serve as a model for other states considering similar reforms to optimize their election processes and boost civic engagement. This legislative effort highlights the importance of local control and the potential benefits of rethinking traditional election schedules.

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