The Kansas Senate approved a bill Thursday to move local elections from spring to fall. The measure would shift city and school board voting to fall of odd-numbered years. Republican Senator Greg Smith of Overland Park says the shift will increase voter participation.
"Voter turnout for me is number one." Smith said. "There's abysmal voter turnout in the spring. 60 to 70 percent of the population turns out to vote in the fall. Seven to 30 percent - tops - turns out in the spring."
Critics say the bill would cause administrative problems at the local level. The bill now moves on to the House for further discussion.
