Tennessee House Bill HJR0013

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/23
• Refer: 1/10/23
• Refer: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/14/23
• Refer: 4/12/23
• Refer: 4/18/23
• Engrossed: 4/21/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION to propose an amendment to Article VII, Section 5 of the Constitution of Tennessee, to change the date of elections for judicial and other civil officers.

Impact

The amendment aims to streamline the electoral process in Tennessee, aligning all elections on the same day. This adjustment could reduce administrative costs incurred by local governments while promoting participation in local governance. By having all elections on a unified date, the hope is that citizens will be more encouraged to vote in all elections, not just the more prominent federal ones. Such a shift could result in a more engaged electorate and reflect in the elected officials' accountability to the public.

Summary

HJR0013 proposes an amendment to Article VII, Section 5 of the Tennessee Constitution, focusing on the election dates for judicial and other civil officers. Currently, elections for these positions are mandated to be held on the first Thursday in August. If passed, the amendment would shift the election date for these officials to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November starting in the year 2028. The objective of this change is to synchronize state and local elections with federal elections, which are held on a similar schedule, thereby saving costs and possibly increasing voter turnout.

Contention

While the benefits of this election date change are evident, there may be points of contention. Critics could argue the importance of traditional election dates, particularly for local civil and judicial positions, which have historically been held in August. There may also be concerns about the impact this change could have on voter fatigue, as multiple elections on a single day might overwhelm some voters. Discussions on how this amendment would affect low-turnout areas could also arise, with opponents questioning whether it would truly enhance participation or just serve to transfer existing issues from one date to another.