By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Following the state legislature’s approval of a new law this year, the city of Hays will be transitioning from April elections to November elections in odd years only.

All Kansas cities will be holding their local elections in November–the Tuesday following the first Monday in November–to coincide with the date of national elections. The change is intended to increase voter turnout in the state.

Assistant Hays City Attorney Todd Powell told Hays City Commissioners last week the law also contains provisions relating to elections of city officials including the election date, the beginning of the term of office for newly elected commissioners, filing deadlines and primaries.

“The newly elected commissioners take their seats the second Monday in January rather than in April. As it applies to the current Hays city commission, the terms that expire in 2017 will actually expire in January of 2018. And the terms that expire in April of 2019, will end in January of 2020,” Powell explained.

According to Powell, the city must adopt three ordinances to comply with the new state law. City commissioners will consider the recommendation during their Thursday, Oct. 22 meeting.

The meeting agenda can be seen here.