Neighbors in Battle Creek are invited to comment on the idea of moving City Commission elections from odd to even years, placing them on the future ballots at the same time as state, congressional, and presidential candidates.
This move, discussed during a commission work session April 18, aims to increase voter turnout -- typically low for city elections -- and would save the city approximately $30,000 per election.
A public hearing will be held during the May 16 City Commission meeting, during which attendees can comment, and the commission will vote on a resolution that night to make the change. Attendees have a second opportunity that evening to share their opinions during public comment on resolutions, prior to the vote.
Commission meetings begin at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 10 N. Division St.
If the change is approved, candidates for City Commission this fall will be running for three-year terms, instead of two. Commission seats would return to two-year terms in 2020, which would be the first even-year election that would include a city election.
Anyone with comments who cannot attend the May 16 commission meeting can email PublicInput@battlecreekmi.gov.