Report from Rep. Peter Cownie: How to Save Iowa $2 Million

House Study Bill 506 moves school board elections from September to November in order to coincide with city elections. I support House Study Bill 506. This is a common-sense idea that would save Iowans over $2 million. 

What other money-saving ideas should Iowa lawmakers consider?

Furthermore, the data shows, by and large, turnout is greater in city elections than school board elections.

For example, in Linn County in 2011, turnout was 5 percent for the school board election and 29 percent  in the city council election. In Dubuque County in 2011, turnout was 6 percent for the school board election and 14 percent for the city council election.

These types of depressed numbers are not isolated to just urban areas. In Butler County in 2011, turnout was 3 percent for the school board election and 15 percent for the city council election. I hope we can all agree that greater voter turnout is better for our communities, our candidates, and our elections. I believe combining these elections will do just that.

House Study Bill 506 falls under the jurisdiction of the House State Government Committee. I am chairman of this committee and will be advocating for full passage of House Study Bill 506 this session. Now, to be fair, there are detractors of this idea. And there are detractors on both sides of the political aisle.

The argument I hear most about keeping the school board elections separate from the city council elections is so it can garner more individual attention for the candidates. School board elections are certainly important and the elected officials wield a great deal of power in terms of local control of our schools and property taxes. The candidates elected ought to be fully vetted by the electorate.

I understand this point, but I believe the pros outweigh the cons and this change is justified. First, we are saving $2 million of hard-earned taxpayer money in a shaky economy by combining the election days, cutting down on paper, and less money being spent on polling locations. Second, I believe Iowans are competent enough to decipher between city council candidates and school board candidates and make an educated choice.

The legislature should always be looking for ways to save money, increase voter turnout, and increase awareness for our local elections. This is why I support House Study Bill 506.