St. Cloud Voters to Decide on Shifting City Elections to Odd Years This November

(KNSI) — A question on the November ballot in St. Cloud will ask if voters want to change the city charter to hold elections in odd years.

The switch was suggested by outgoing Mayor Dave Kleis and received unanimous support from a committee. Kleis explained to KNSI News that elections were changed from odd to even years back in 2004 but didn’t have the results they hoped. “The goal at that time was to look at increasing participation in city elections. I can tell you, over the last 20 years, it did not have that effect, actually the opposite effect.”

He says that’s because there are more people who vote in a general election, but fewer people actually vote on the down-ballot local races. Even though changing when elections are held will cost the city more money, Kleis feels the money is well spent. “I believe, strongly. That the cost of electing the wrong people is much higher than the cost of the actual democratic process where you elect your representation.”

He adds that with the city elections front and center, people will have a better chance of making an informed choice at the local level.

The measure only needs 50% approval to pass.

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