Our View: Even versus odd

There are many reasons why Niles should change city council elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years.

First, it would save the city money — an estimated $4,600 every odd election year. Granted, it is not a lot of money, but every little bit helps when municipalities are pinching every penny.

Second, and perhaps most importantly, it would increase the number of people voting in city elections. By switching to even years, the city would be able to tie into major elections, which historically attract more voters to the polls.

To illustrate that point, councilman David Mann wrote in his monthly column that only 7.8 percent of registered voters in Niles turned out in the 2011 election. That number skyrocketed during the presidential election of 2012 when 47 percent of registered voters in Niles hit the polls.

It’s a remarkable increase.

The even-year switch, if passed, would not take effect until next year.

It is worth noting that anyone elected to the council in the upcoming November election would serve a five-year term, instead of four years. This is because terms of office can’t be shortened, only lengthened.

So why is this coming up now?

In December, a bill was signed allowing cities to change election cycles from odd-numbered to even-number years.

The council is expected to vote on the issue during its regular meeting at 6 p.m. May 13.

If you want to voice your opinion on this issue, a public hearing will be held prior to the meeting at 5:55 p.m.

The views expressed in this editorial are those of the editorial board.

SportsPlus

Edwardsburg HS

Eddies control clock, use big plays to derail Beavers 29-8

News

Niles routs Paw Paw 42-14 in D4 playoff opener

Crime/Court

Dowagiac men get prison time on drug charges

Community News

Pat Ham student appointed honorary member of Dowagiac City Council

Crime/Court

Arrest made in connection to fatal Keeler Township home invasion

Community News

Dowagiac Chamber honors Anderson with Lifetime Achievement Award

Buchanan

New Buchanan tattoo parlor ‘a dream come true’ for owner

Dowagiac

Teacher/Staff Spotlight: Dara Killarney, Dowagiac Union Schools Transportation

Buchanan

McCollum Livery project added to Buchanan’s social district

Cassopolis

2025 Miss Cassopolis Pageant set for Nov. 9

Brandywine HS

Area cross country runners qualify for state meet

Crime/Court

Area men get prison time

Brandywine Education

Brandywine to host annual Veterans Day breakfast

Business

Fernwood Botanical Garden announces new Executive Director

Letters to the Editor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Fred Upton out of step with Cass County values

Community News

Beckwith Theatre prepares for ‘Miracle on South Division Street’ production

Buchanan HS

2024 MHSAA football playoff pairings announced

News

Niles shuts down No. 2 Paw Paw 21-0, wins second straight Wolverine Conference title

Edwardsburg HS

Niles volleyball dampens Paw Paw’s Senior Night celebration with sweep

Community News

Leon Anderson to receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Buchanan

Buchanan District Library begins expansion project

Leader Columnists

Harden: Scott Novak, a local hero

News

Edwardsburg earns 62-0 Senior Night win over Sturgis

Community News

Meet the candidates running for Niles City Council