Benicia Could Move Election Date to 2014, Extending Council Terms

Benicia residents are scheduled to vote for two new city council members this fall, but officials could move that date back a year.

In hopes of saving money and increasing voter turnout, the Benicia City Council could move the city elections from odd years to even years. The council will discuss the issue at its Tuesday meeting.

The city saves money when it shares an election with other government bodies in the county, according to a staff report. There would be a one-time cost of about $8,500 associated with the change, because the city would have to notify every voter.

Moving the election from November 2013 to November 2014 would extend the term of two sitting council members by a year; Council Members Alan Schwartzman and Mark Hughes plan to run for re-election, Patch reported in December.

The council could also wait until after the November 2013 election and then time the change so that it shortens some council members' terms by a year.

Any potential changes would have to be approved by the Solano County Board of Supervisors, according to the staff report.

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Benicia City Council meeting
7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 5
250 E. L St.

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