Smarter Special Election Rules for Local Flexibility

On January 28, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the Ways and Means Committee in support of HB 75 – Election Law – Special Elections. This bill enables charter counties to tailor special elections to local needs while ensuring compliance with statewide standards for voter accessibility and election integrity.

HB 75 presents a thoughtful and practical solution to modernize local election processes and address emerging challenges. Balancing local flexibility with consistent statewide standards ensures fair, open, and transparent elections while promoting responsive and effective governance.

From MACo Testimony:

HB 75 authorizes county councils to determine, via resolution, whether a special election will include a primary or proceed directly to a general election. This approach empowers local leaders to align election practices to their charters and priorities, reducing costs and administrative demands.

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