ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland senators want to move the date of elections in Baltimore City to coincide with presidential contests.
The Senate voted 36-10 Friday to move city elections starting in 2016.
Elections of mayor and city council members are currently held in odd years when the rest of the state is neither voting in a gubernatorial nor a presidential race.
Proponents hope the move will boost lackluster voter turnout in Baltimore where elections can be determined by late-summer Democratic primaries.
Sen. President Thomas V. Mike Miller voted against the measure saying the new primary date, held earlier in the year, will pave the way for incumbents to win.
The measure now moves to the House of Delegates.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
