Experts weigh in on election date, open precincts

Lots of talk and questions yesterday about why Brentwood couldn't have "open" precincts similar to those used during early voting, and why the city doesn't attach itself to national and/or state elections to increase turnout.

Where there are questions, there must be answers so I went to the experts to get them. First up, Ann Beard, Williamson County Election Administrator:

Hi Ms. Beard,
Covering the Brentwood elections today for my Brentwood blog, there was much discussion on ways to increase turnout. One thought was that in future municipal elections, would it be possible for residents to vote at any precinct, similar to early voting, rather than specific ones on Election Day. With today's technology would that be possible?
I promised readers I'd ask and report back. Thanks for all of your help.
Sincerely,
Susan Leathers

It has been discussed of the possibility of establishing vote centers for elections. Similarly to early voting, where your early voting period would be for so many days and the last day of early voting would be Election Day. This would have to be put into law by our legislature.
My thoughts are if all municipal elections were conducted along with General elections as we now do with Fairview, Nolensville and Thompson's Station, you would get more people voting. However, our two largest municipalities do not want their elections conducted in conjunction with other elections and at present laws allows them, by charter, to have their elections in odd numbered years. Hope this answers your question and also gives you some information.
Ann

Next up, Roger Horner, our city attorney:

Help!
With low turnout today, there's been some lively discussion on why Brentwood holds its municipal elections independently of bigger elections (state, national) which you would assume would drive voter numbers up. I don't know the answer but one person mentioned they thought it was set up that way in the city charter. True? And if so, how does the charter get changed should there be a movement to try to do that?

Susan –
The City Charter allows the election date to be set on any date that is within 90 days of the anniversary of the first election, OR on the same date as the November elections. In 1987, the Board of Commissioners did take action to move the City’s election date to November, in an effort to get more people to participate in electing commissioners. Then, in 1992, it was changed again, this time to the first Tuesday in May.
The benefit of having a separate election, as opposed to combining it with state and national elections, is that the voters who turn out are focused on municipal issues. While moving the City’s election to November would bring out more voters, it’s likely that you’d get a lot of voters that haven’t taken time to acquaint themselves with the local issues or the candidates. Better to have a smaller number of informed voters than to have a large number of people who may just be pushing buttons without thinking it through.
Roger
City Attorney

And from City Manager Mike Walker:
My comments are similar to Roger's. Traditionally, local elections are held separately because in the bigger elections, the debate on local issues and even the signs for local candidates sometimes get lost in the overall debate on state or national elections, political parties, national issues, etc. The local election becomes relegated to the same status on the ballot as, for example, voting for a state Supreme Court judge or court of appeals judge. There is no question that people who choose to vote at the separate election are informed on the local issues voters; otherwise, they would not make the effort to vote.

What are your thoughts on it all? Please comment below.