Moving Benicia Elections to Even Years: A Decision Will Be Made on April 2

The following notice has been sent out to Benicia voters, notifying that election years may soon change from odd years to even years in an effort to save money. Share your thoughts below. 

Dear Registered Voter,

At the April 2, 2013 City Council meeting, the Benicia City Council will consider changing the election date for general city elections from November of odd-numbered years to November of even-numbered years. The Council requests comments on this proposal.

The next city council member election would be moved from November 2013 to November 2014. Changing to even-numbered years will save the city money as our elections would then coincide with Presidential and Gubernatorial elections.

State law requires the term of office for elected city officials to be extended or shortened by no more than 12 months as part of changing the election cycle. The draft ordinance to change the election date to even-numbered years proposes to increase the term of the elected officials by one year. Terms for council members whose term would be up in 2013 would be extended to 2014. Terms for the mayor, council members, city clerk and city treasurer would be extended to 2016.

For further information call the Offices of the City Manager or City Attorney at 746-4200. 

Should the city council move elections from odd years to even years? Share your thoughts below.