Minutes 07/11/1978 - Laserfiche WebLink

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r 'J TUESDAY JULY 11, 1978 ~'-., Your Electoral Board appreciates your asking for our opinion on the question of the consolidation of the state and local elections in even numbered non-presidential years. We are also appreciati.ve that there is some other group suggesting a consolidation in the interest of efficiency and economy in elections. To take the Positive view first: 1. We agree with the premise that having all elections in November would help to simplify campaigning, a cost savings to the candidates and to political parties. - 2. We feel like it might encourage a greater interest and participation on the part of the electorate to have fewer election days. 3. In Martinsvi1le, the elimination of the spring election would save around $900 or $1000. 4. This would have the tendency to increase the influence of the political parties in elections which we feel might be a plus. As to the Negative aspect: 1. We are of the opinion that it would take away some of the personal non-partisan flavor of our local elections. 2. It might make for a longer ballot at some times, causing some delay in voting. However, we have adequate machines and some changes may have to be made in procedures. 3. The local candidates may be forced into a more costly effort in order to be heard, competing with the bigger multi-million dollar state and national campaigns. - 4. There may be some lessening in interest in the local candidates when they appear on the ballot with more highly publicized issues and offices. They would appear in a less prominent position on the ballot which might result in less votes. Upon motion, duly seconded and unanimously carried, Council authorized the Blue Ridge Regional Library to expend during fiscal 1978-79 the sums of $55,097.00 (State grant-in- aid) and $9,947.00 (Federal grant-in-aid) allocated by the Virginia State Library Board to sai.d Regional Library for fiscal 1978-79 (and) for the purposes for which said funds can be expended.