Findings; sense of Congress

(a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Holding local elections for public office in odd-numbered years provides greater focus on local candidates and issues. (2) Local elections held in odd-numbered years allow voters to make more informed decisions about their local representation. (3) Holding all elections in even-numbered years diminishes the attention given to community matters. (4) Holding all elections in even-numbered years overcrowds the ballot, hindering the decision-making process for voters. (5) Local elected officials directly serve their immediate communities and needs. (6) Local leaders played a vital role in the founding of the United States. (7) Local governments are at the core of our Nation’s republic. (b) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) units of local governments should have the authority to conduct elections for local office in odd-numbered years; (2) local elections held in odd-numbered years ensure that local candidates and issues receive greater attention and allow voters to make well-informed choices; and (3) the most effective form of representation is attained through local governance.