A new state report says the Tennessee Legislature should not require cities to move their local and school elections to coincide with larger elections but instead continue allowing them to set their own dates.
According to the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, Tennessee's biggest cities don't hold their municipal elections during the statewide August and November general elections — this includes Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville.
Finding a way to improve voter turnout has gained attention over the years as Tennessee has struggled with low numbers at the polls.
Some lawmakers have argued that too many elections may be part of the problem. Yet in the state report, local municipal experts say voters are less likely to fill out a complete ballot if it gets too long.
