Charter Amendment Would Move Metro Elections

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean would get an extra year in office under a proposed charter amendment. Image courtesy Tennessee State University

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean could score an extra year in office if an amendment to the Metro Charter passes as written. A ballot initiative continues a year-old effort to align local elections with Presidential races.

To At-Large Councilman Charlie Tygard, moving the odd-year local elections makes fiscal sense.

“To cut out two elections and save a half a million to a million dollars of taxpayer money every four years is worth at some point having either a three year or a five year mayoral/council cycle.”

As written, Tygard’s proposal would extend current terms from 2015 to 2016. But the long-time councilman says he’d also be fine with shortening terms, or pushing the change beyond any sitting politician.

Voters could get to decide in November. The Metro Council’s charter committee meets next month to consider what amendments should go on the ballot.

Last year, state legislation to align Nashville’s elections with Presidential years was introduced but quickly withdrawn at the request of the Metro Council.

A statement from Mayor Dean’s office:

“We understand this effort could help Metro save money and increase voter turnout. At the same time, Nashville has been well served by an election cycle that is focused on Metro races and local issues and is separate from the presidential election. This issue will be resolved by the Metro Council and, if the Council chooses to bring it to a referendum, by Nashville voters.”

View all of the proposed charter amendments here.