For Bull Citizens' ready reference, the city attorney's Web site has a FAQ on how municipal elections are done and changes proposed for them.
See www.durhamnc.gov/departments/attorney/pdf/election_faq.pdf.
The City Council is holding a public hearing on its election process during its regular meeting Monday night. The League of Women Voters is holding a public forum on election systems at 7 tonight (Wednesday, April 1) at the main public library, on Roxboro Street downtown.
The Durham County Board of Elections has suggested that the city switch from its current non-partisan primary and non-partisan general election method to a non-partisan plurality method. The change would eliminate primary elections, saving city taxpayers an estimated $170,000 to $185,000 per election year.
Unlike Durham's current system, in a plurality election a candidate does not need a majority of votes to win; only the highest number.
Citizens who wish to speak at Monday's council meeting may sign up by calling the City Clerk's office, 560-4166, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. today through Friday and Monday.
Speakers at tonight's forum are
- Donald L. Horowitz, Duke University professor of law and political science
- Robert P. Joyce, UNC professor of public law and government
- Torrey Dixon, FairVoteNC
- Bob Hall, executive director, Democracy NC.
