When Orange County voters go to the polls in November, they’ll be deciding some key issues that could significantly change the way county elections are held, and also restrict citizens from making their own changes to the county’s government charter.
One referendum question approved by county commissioners Tuesday would allow voters to decide whether all county politicians should have their political party affiliations listed next to their names on the ballot. That referendum was prompted by a petition drive led by Citizens for Informed Elections, a Democrat-backed group that wants county commissioners, now selected in nonpartisan elections, to switch to partisan races.
If it passes, the referendum also would move the next county mayor’s election to 2016 and every four years thereafter, to coincide with presidential election years, when turnout is higher. That would end Republican Mayor Teresa Jacobs‘ current four-year term two years early.
Orange County commissioners approve slate of charter amendment questions – Orlando Sentinel.
