SB1536

THE CONTEXT: Contests of Municipal Elections Any elector of the municipality may contest the results of an election provided the elector has grounds to do so. The grounds to contest an election include misconduct of the officials canvassing the election, illegal votes or that a candidate was not eligible for that office.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would adds, as an additional condition for a mayor or city council candidate who receives a majority of all votes cast for a new term in that office, and the current officeholder is appointed, that any election contest be resolved before the candidate can be declared elected.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to make election administration and accountability rules for cities and towns more definite. It would adds, as an additional condition for a mayor or city council candidate who receives a majority of all votes cast for a new term in that office, and the current officeholder is appointed, that any election contest be resolved before the candidate can be declared elected, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.