Tennessee Republicans' plan would push Metro elections by a year
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State Republicans are pushing a plan to force Metro and other local governments to hold their elections in even-numbered years to coincide with presidential or gubernatorial cycles.
Why it matters: The plan, from state Rep. Scott Cepicky and Sen. Joey Hensley, stands to stir up more political chaos in Nashville.
- Metro currently holds elections for mayor and council in odd years.
The big picture: If this new law is adopted, the current terms of Mayor Freddie O'Connell and Metro Council members would apparently be extended until 2028 instead of 2027, when they are currently supposed to expire.
What he's saying: Cepicky argues his plan would increase voter turnout in local elections and save the cost of holding off-cycle contests.
- The legislation has cleared committees in the Senate and House. It needs additional committee approvals in both chambers before advancing to floor votes.
The other side: State Rep. Jason Powell, a Nashville Democrat, called the proposal "one of the most consequential threats to the Metro Nashville charter."
- "Nashvillians did not elect a mayor or council to serve five-plus years in office," Powell tells Axios. "I have heard very little from Metro opposing these bills, but I can assure you the people of Nashville do not want to extend terms past 2027 or change the date of our elections."
Zoom in: Powell also worried about ballot fatigue. Under the plan, local offices would be placed below federal and state positions on the ballot, requiring voters to scroll down to several pages to make their selection for mayor.
- In presidential election years, voters already drop off and don't vote in down-ballot races.
- Under current Metro law, runoff elections are held about six weeks after the general election. Under Cepicky's bill, the general election would be held in August and the runoff in November.
What we're watching: The city is already bracing for the size of the Metro Council to be reduced from 40 to no more than 20. A state Supreme Court ruling on a law to cap the size of council is expected any day now.