Coldwater City Council approves changing city elections to even years

COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The City of Coldwater is looking to change the years municipal elections are held.

The Coldwater City Council approved a request from City Clerk Shauna Chavez Monday night to pass a resolution which changes the city election cycle from odd years to even years.

Cities around Michigan can make such a change without a charter amendment under a state law that was passed in 2012.

It will be up to the Michigan Secretary of State’s office to approve the change for the City of Coldwater which would take effect on December 31.

An ordinance was also introduced which would amend the city’s Codified Ordinances covering City Election cycles. Final action is scheduled for the Council’s meeting on January 12, 2026.

Chavez said in accordance with Michigan Election Law, the four year terms for the current councilmembers would be extended by one year.

Mayor Tom Kramer’s two-year term will also be extended to 2028 after he was re-elected without opposition last month.

Chavez pointed out in her memo that voter turnout in odd year elections is very low.

The turnout for last month’s municipal elections in Coldwater was 8-point-25 percent after there was a 8-point-4 turnout in 2023.

Chavez feels that consolidating local elections with statewide elections in even years will increase voter participation and reduce election administrative costs.

It is estimated that the city will save about $18,000 every two years. Chavez adds this change will help offset the cost of the mandatory nine days of early voting for all state and federal elections.

The proposed change is being supported by Branch County Clerk Terry Kubasiak who pointed out that a Primary for a Coldwater City Council seat has not been held since 2005.