TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators in Kansas are moving to shift city and local school board elections to the fall of even-numbered years and say they’re trying to boost voter turnout.

House and Senate negotiators have drafted a plan to scrap the traditional scheduling of local elections in the spring of odd-numbered years. Their agreement came ahead of this week’s voting in city and school board contests across the state.

Local elections would be on the same schedule as contests for county, state and congressional offices. Under the plan, city and school board races would be listed first on the ballot.
Supporters say the bill will increase turnout.

Critics say administrative problems would arise and believe city and local education issues would get lost in the din of other campaigns.