Arizona lawmakers voted Tuesday to once again try and tell cities when they can hold elections. The move sets the stage for a legal fight with at least some of them.
On a voice vote, the House gave preliminary approval to a measure that would require cities and counties to hold elections every other year, or alongside regularly held elections in November. The idea is that, by consolidating local elections with statewide races, taxpayers will save money.
House Speaker J.D. Mesnard said it ensures there will be a maximum turnout for important issues, like raising taxes.
“So this is a way to protect taxpayers," Mesnard said. "It is a way to encourage voter turnout to make sure if we're going to increase taxes that folks are actually showing up for an election and it's not being done below the radar."
Opponents say such a measure would prevent city councils from taking immediate action on an issue.
But even if the bill passes, it could be unenforceable, as at least 18 of the state’s charter cities have the right to make their own decisions.