SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 75

(By Senators Azinger, Beach, Blair (Mr. President)s, Caputo, Grady, Lindsay, Maynard, Phillips, Romano, Rucker, Smith, Stover, Takubo, Weld, Woelfel, Woodrum, and Trump)

[Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary; reported on April 8, 2021]

Requesting the Joint Committee on the Judiciary study the feasibility of conforming the timing of elections and ballot initiatives of political subdivisions of this state to coincide with scheduled statewide and federal primary and general elections.

Whereas, Some municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions of this state currently hold elections and ballot initiatives outside of scheduled statewide and federal primary and general election dates; and

Whereas, Holding such local elections and ballot initiatives outside of the scheduled statewide and federal primary and general election cycle may cause political subdivisions to incur significant administrative costs; and

Whereas, Such costs incurred by political subdivisions could be reduced if such local elections and ballot initiatives coincide with scheduled statewide and federal primary and general elections; and

Whereas, Holding such local elections and ballot initiatives outside of the scheduled statewide and federal primary and general election cycle may result in low voter turnout on such local elections and ballot initiatives; and

Whereas, It is believed that voter turnout for local elections and ballot initiatives could increase if such local elections and ballot initiatives coincide with scheduled statewide and federal primary and general elections; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on the Judiciary is hereby requested to study the feasibility of conforming the timing of elections and ballot initiatives of political subdivisions of this state to coincide with scheduled statewide and federal primary and general elections; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on the Judiciary report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2022, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation to paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.