The bill proposes to give cities and towns in Washington state the option to hold their general elections in even-numbered years, leveraging the higher voter turnout typically associated with those years. It amends RCW 29A.04.330 to facilitate this transition, allowing local governments to adopt ordinances or seek voter approval for the change, which includes public hearings and specific timelines for implementation. The legislation also mandates that cities and towns adjusting their election schedules must modify the terms of their elected officials accordingly, while exempting certain elections, such as recall elections, from these changes.

Additionally, the bill establishes that all elected city officers will serve four-year terms and introduces provisions for the timing of elections in the event of government reorganization. It specifies that newly elected officials will take office immediately upon election and qualification, with their terms starting from January 1 of the following year. The bill also includes a new section designating it as the "Washington cities' and towns' freedom to choose even-numbered elections act," thereby formalizing the legislative intent to enhance civic engagement through improved election scheduling.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 29A.04.330, 35.17.020, 35.18.270, 35.23.051, 35.27.090, 35.30.080, 29A.60.280
Substitute Bill: 29A.04.330, 35.17.020, 35.18.270, 35.23.051, 35.27.090, 35.30.080, 29A.60.280