What would this petition do?

Our petition proposes a ballot initiative to revise the East Lansing city charter. The charter revision would require that East Lansing City Council elections take place in November in even years--putting them on the same schedule as congressional, presidential, gubernatorial, and local school board elections. Right now, the only offices we regularly elect in odd years are the members of the City Council.

Why is this change needed?

• Local elections in odd years usually have very low voter turnout, and they do not represent the general public very well. The November 2025 East Lansing City Council Election had 26% turnout among registered voters- just over 6,000 people total. By comparison, turnout in East Lansing was 67% in November 2024- over 20,000 people turned out to vote. Is our local democracy actually working well if 6,000 people are driving local politics for a city of 45,000 residents?

• Michigan cities including Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids have already switched to even year elections.

• The City Council in East Lansing makes decisions on many important local issues that impact residents of all ages involving public services, housing, policing, and downtown development.

• Holding elections is costly, and the city will save money by moving to even years. According to a former city clerk, the cost of an off cycle election for the city is over $65,000. 

You can make a difference to improve our local democracy and provide a stronger voice for East Lansing residents.