In March 2000, the Virginia General Assembly passed HB 622 City and town elections: allowing cities and towns by ordinance to provide for the election of the governing body at the November general election rather than the May general election.

Alternatively, the measure also allows voters to petition the circuit court asking that a referendum be held on the question of whether the city or town shall elect the council at the November general election.

In the May 7, 1996 Charlottesville City Council election, only 24.05% of registered voters cast their ballots.

In the May 5, 1998 Charlottesville City Council election, only 22.6% of the registered voters cast their ballots.

In the May 2, 2000 Charlottesville City Council election, 28% of the registered voters cast their ballots.

"But while only about 25 percent of local voters turn out for City Council elections, over 40 percent go to the polls in November - in the last presidential election, the turnout was 72 percent" (John Borgmeyer, C-Ville Weekly, September 4-10, 2001).

Think moving the time of the election of city council from May to November, when statewide and/or national elections are held, might make a difference in voter turnout?

"'Based upon raw numbers, this looks like the way to go,' says Sheri Iachetta, the City's general registrar. 'November really gets people out,' she says" (John Borgmeyer, C-Ville Weekly, September 4-10, 2001).

Think increased voter turnout would increase or decrease the quality of governance in the City of Charlottesville?

"Bill Wood, who runs UVA's Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, says government needs more educated voters, not simply more bodies casting ballots.

'The downside is that you'll have a lot of people who would make uninformed votes along party lins. That would be a detriment,' Wood says. 'If people vote for Council in May, that's the only reason they're going to the polls, they're bound to be better informed'" (John Borgmeyer, C-Ville Weekly, September 4-10, 2001).

Think any money would be saved by having the May elections along with other elections in November?

You bet!

These issues are currently scheduled to come before the Charlottesville City Council on Monday, October 1, 2001.

Please send your thoughts to george@loper.org where the most representative comments will be placed on my web site with full attribution.