(KNSI) – The St. Cloud City Council approved language that would put a city election overhaul on the ballot this fall.
Starting in 2029, voters will be asked to consider moving municipal contests to odd years rather than even years. Mayor Dave Kleis tells KNSI News the move would shine a spotlight on races that he believes have the biggest impact on daily life.
“My opinion, the most important election there is is the local election. It has to do with your public safety, your roads, your garbage, your sewer, your water. It gets lost in the federal and national election years.”
Council members who win in 2026 and 2028 would serve three-year terms to allow the calendar to reset. St. Cloud used to vote on odd years, but that changed in 2005. Kleis says at the time, they thought that increased turnout tied to a congressional or presidential election may help at the local level, but that hasn’t been the case.
“Even in an even year, the drop off on the ballot — in fact, nobody has won an at-large seat that I’ve seen over all that period of time with more than 25% of the vote. So, they’re not getting a large percentage of the vote. So, they’re not getting a large percentage of the vote. Yes, there are more people voting, but less are focused on that race.”
This year’s campaign features 16 candidates for city council and six for mayor, which may add a little energy to the contests.
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