The bill to shift local elections from the spring to the fall passed the Kansas Legislature after the House passed HB 2104 by a vote of 64-58 after an hour of debate. The minimum for a constitutional majority is 63 votes.
Because the bill had already passed the Senate, it went to the governor to be signed into law.
The legislation is a combination of several changes to election law. Primarily, it moves city and school board elections to the fall of odd-numbered years, but keeps them non-partisan. A provision in the law allows for staggered terms.
The change was projected to double turnout in local elections; the legislation was largely opposed by local elected officials and school boards across the state.
Rep. Don Schroeder, who represents Hillsboro and southern Marion County, was one of the few Republi?cans to vote against the bill.
