Why aren’t all elections at the same time?

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009 | 2 a.m.

When all of our government agencies are having financial problems, why don’t they coordinate elections so that local, state and federal elections are held at the same time? It would not only save time and money but also put an end to all these political signs that cover the area. Of course it would probably take a change in our constitution and some politicians would cry about loss of time (in office) but it should be able to be done.

— John Valante

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Holding municipal elections on the same voting cycle as county, state and federal races would undoubtedly save money.

Clark County Registrar of Voters Larry Lomax estimates consolidating all elections to even-numbered years would save almost the entire cost of staging municipal elections, which are held in odd-numbered years. The polling stations are already set up. The workers have been hired. A few more names or proposals on the ballot for the city races would consume only a bit more ink and paper.

Combining the elections would also increase voting in the municipal races. Turnout for municipal elections is typically 10 percent to 15 percent. November’s election turnout was 80 percent.

Those opposed to the idea — mainly denizens of the region’s city halls — say state and federal races would get all the attention, making city races an afterthought. Or even less than an afterthought, considering their current turnout.

Mr. Sun believes there’s a bigger obstacle. City council members and mayors would likely have a harder time funding their campaigns if they ran while potential senators, governors, state lawmakers and county commissioners are hitting up donors.

It seems improbable the change will be made any time soon, considering such proposals have failed in the past two legislative sessions. But it’s not impossible. Reno and Sparks made the change and hold their municipal elections in even-numbered years. Reno’s last solo muni election was in 1997; Sparks’ was in 2003.