How about aligning mayoral and presidential elections?
Artie Kronenfeld’s excellent article on voter turnout reinforces a reform that I believe we as citizens of Waltham should request of our city leaders. As Artie pointed out in the article,
Turnout for state elections regularly outpaces turnout for municipal elections in Waltham. Neither, however, reach the heights of typical turnout for presidential elections. Between 70 to 80% of Waltham voters cast ballots, whereas statewide elections since 2010 have averaged 55% turnout in the city.
Our mayoral elections should be aligned with the presidential election instead of the current odd-year municipal cycle. And our city council elections should be aligned with the even-year midterm election cycle to ensure a larger voter turnout. This change would ensure that the broadest possible cross-section of Waltham voters elect our mayor and lawmakers — giving everyone a say rather than leaving these crucial decisions to a small group of “super voters,” as Shanique Rodriguez, executive director of the nonprofit Massachusetts Voter Table, noted in Artie’s article. An added benefit to this shift is that citizens would face fewer separate trips to the polls — easing voter fatigue, encouraging participation and saving the city money on election administration.
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This is a great way of increasing voter participation in Waltham that shouldn’t be controversial.
Very sensible idea. Let’s get this done!
The incumbents do not want a full cross section of the potential voter. The incumbent is perfectly happy with the smaller group of people who voted them into office last time.
Off year elections are a genteel form of voter suppression.
I think this is a great idea & makes sense for all in our community. Waltham is stronger, more vibrant and more invested in the future for all here in our great city when all people are of the election process. Let’s make this happen!
Brad is spot on. The alignment of City Council elections with mid-term elections, and Mayoral with Presidential elections, would be a boon to Waltham resident turnout for the local community elections, and would no doubt spur more interest and scrutiny of those candidates performance four our City, and inhabitants.
A great observation and recommendation by Brad. What is needed to make this so?
Thanks for reading and asking! My understanding is that shifting our city election years would require a charter amendment or Special Act under Massachusetts Home Rule laws. There are two ways to do that:
1. The City Council can pass a Home Rule Petition requesting a special act by the State Legislature to align our local election years. It would need to be signed by the Mayor. Once passed on Beacon Hill, it would require a local referendum clause so it comes back to us for final approval on a city ballot.
2. We as residents can organize directly and gather petition signatures from 15% of registered voters to form an elected Charter Commission. Once signatures are verified, the question of whether to form this commission goes to the next regular municipal ballot for voters to decide.
Neither path is easy. The most direct path forward is for the City Council to initiate a Home Rule Petition. Ultimately it comes down to voter engagement and encouragement to make it a priority. If enough residents reach out to their Ward and At-Large City Councilors, the Council can initiate a public hearing and begin exploring a Home Rule petition themselves. Any resident can find their councilors’ emails by reviewing the Waltham City Council Directory on the official Waltham City Council webpage, or call the council office directly at 781-314-3499.
Following up on your question—I wanted to share a quick correction on the legal process for changing our election schedule after checking in with Representative Stanley’s office.
• Charter Commission Limits: A local Charter Commission cannot alter election years on its own, as municipal election timing is governed by state law. Therefore, Option 2 above is not possible.
• The Required Path: Shifting to even-year federal cycles requires a Home Rule Petition passed locally and approved by the State Legislature (Option 1 as I outlined above in my earlier reply).
• Potential Statewide Option: Alternatively, Beacon Hill could pass broader legislation giving all cities the option to align election dates by right. I think this would be a great route.
A locally initiated Home Rule Petition remains the most likely direct path forward.
Apologies for any confusion. I want to make sure the information shared here is as accurate as possible as we continue this conversation.
Great idea!