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Could Baltimore Move Its City Elections?

By: Rebecca Blatt // January 9, 2012
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After a string of low-turnout elections in Baltimore, a coalition of groups is calling for the city to reset its election cycle, according to Associated Press.

Baltimore currently holds its local elections in the year after statewide elections and before presidential elections. Approximately 22 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in last year's mayoral primary, and turnout fell to about 13 percent in the general election. 

Representatives of the Baltimore Election Change Coalition saying bringing city elections in line with the statewide cycle would boost turnout and save money.

Some politicians, including Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, support the change. But syncing the city elections with the presidential cycle might be more popular, because a move to the next statewide election would shorten the terms of those currently serving in office.

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