by Glenn Tschimpke
Staff Writer
City Council nixed a bill at Tuesday night’s meeting that would move future election days that fall on April 15, the federal income tax filing deadline, to one week later
Introduced by Council member Lynette Self, the bill was designed to encourage voter turnout by avoiding election days that occur during a traditionally hectic time for procrastinating taxpayers.
Self provided the Council with statistical evidence that indicates voter turnout is lower on April 15 and also shared the results of informal polls with constituents that supported the date change. The bill was voted down 10-8. Jim Overton did not arrive in time to vote.
“I’m disappointed because it’s unfortunate for the public,” said Self. “I thought I had good info. I think it was disappointing because I polled every town meeting I went to and people supported it.”
Council president-elect Jerry Holland was one member who wasn’t convinced by Self’s argument.
“I do respect Councilwoman Self’s attempt to increase voter participation,” he said. “But she was only using one variable. There are many other variables that affect voter turnout like the weather and the field of candidates.”
Council member Warren Alvarez also voted no.
“Our voters — at least my constituents — have enough sense to do two things in one day,” he said. “They can file taxes and vote on the same day.”
The bill passed 5-0 in the Council’s Rules Committee, which usually translates to a full Council blessing. Those five Council members did not change their vote Tuesday, but Holland said the committee process could have been more thorough.
“That’s one of the flaws of only going to one committee,” said Holland. “Had it gone to at least two committees, it would have given a chance for other people to speak on it. It would have been given more scrutiny.”
Despite each Council member’s reason to vote no, some of the opposition have cried foul.
“It’s all politics, through and through. It’s as simple as that,” said Council vice president Suzanne Jenkins, who supported the bill. “[Self] had the proof as far as I’m concerned.
Jenkins charges that politics that trace back to the Council presidency election that divided the Council into two groups. Jenkins and Self ran for president and vice president, respectively. Holland and Lad Daniels opposed them. With the exception of King Holzendorf, according to Jenkins, the voting lines for the election bill were identical to the Council presidency vote. Jenkins, Self and their supporters voted yes. Holland, Daniels and their supporters voted no.
“I don’t believe it was the issue [of changing the election date],” said Jenkins. “It was the leadership. She had all the information, what more info does she need, the weather report? It’s pretty lame.”
While Self wouldn’t commit to crying conspiracy theory, she did speculate there could have been other factors that shaped the vote besides the surface issue.
Holland said he knew of no collusion and maintained he voted based on a lack of scientific information.
“That was a total shock,” he said of the voting pattern. “I don’t know if that means anything special. You don’t make a change with a lack of data. You don’t just move it and say, ‘I don’t have any data but I think it will help.’”
Added Alvarez: “I was against it before the presidency race came up. I vote on issues. I don’t worry about who votes for what.”
Self said she wouldn’t pursue the issue again because election days that fall on April 15 happen every three decades — far from any immediate
concern.