GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A grassroots group in Grand Rapids is demanding the city end odd year elections, or else.
Federal and state elections are in even years, and turnout is much lower in odd or “off” year elections. The county covers the cost of even year elections. The city spends tens of thousands of dollars to organize and staff odd year elections.
Leaders of the campaign to end odd year elections say local and municipal leaders may be reluctant to change. “I think it is easier to get elected when people don’t vote,” explains odd year election opponent Bonnie Burke. “You call up your special interest groups and get your people out to vote.”
“I know school boards like odd times of the year to have elections like in August when people aren’t paying attention,” says voter Steve Redmond. “They kind of push things through without a full participation of the voters.”
Those urging the city commission to move all elections to even years say First Ward Commissioner Jon O’Connor and Third Ward Commissioner Senita Lenear oppose the idea.
“What I think is a better idea is making sure people are registered to vote and registered voters get to the polls,” says Lenear. “Getting more voters to the polls anytime there is an election.”
Leaders of the group pushing to end odd year elections in Grand Rapids are the same women who got term limits passed against the will of the City Commission 4 years ago. If they must, they say they will again bypass the Commission to get election reform approved.
“Anyone in office today who is not interested in legally increasing voter participation and saving taxpayer money should not be serving,” says Grand Rapids voter Bonnie Burke.
“The choice is yours,” voter Rina Baker told the commissioners at a Tuesday night meeting. “We are asking you to do the right thing for the citizens of Grand Rapids.”