1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

I am writing as a Kansas resident to express my strong opposition to House Bill 2452, which would move city, school board, and other local elections to even-numbered years. While higher turnout is often cited as a benefit, combining local elections with state and federal races risks doing the opposite of what democracy requires: informed, engaged participation. When ballots are overcrowded with high-profile partisan races, local issues and candidates are easily overshadowed. Voters have less time, less attention, and less capacity to thoughtfully consider the decisions that most directly affect their communities, schools, and local services. Local elections deserve to stand on their own. Holding them in off-cycle years gives voters the opportunity to focus specifically on municipal and school board races, learn about the candidates, and engage more deeply with local governance. These offices shape our day-to-day lives, and they should not be reduced to footnotes on long, partisan ballots. In addition, election administrators and local governments have raised serious concerns about the logistical and financial burdens this change would create. Forcing all local races onto already crowded election cycles risks confusion, longer ballots, longer lines, and increased strain on election officials. For these reasons, I urge you to oppose HB 2452 and to protect the integrity, accessibility, and local focus of Kansas municipal and school elections. Thank you for your time and for representing our community.