Phoenix is envisioning a change in the way city elections are currently held, and as a result, council and mayoral races could appear on the same ballots with state and federal races.

Mayoral and council elections currently take place during odd-numbered years, eliciting the participation of about 20 percent of registered voters. Races for governor and president occur in even-numbered years with a voter turnout of 40 to 70 percent.

“Low voter turnout has been the acceptable norm in Phoenix for decades,” resident Keith Broadwater voiced in favor of the merge during Wednesday’s council meeting. “It must change.”

Although all councilmembers agreed on an interest in increasing voter turnout, ideas of how to change election dates varied, noting concern of how the change could impact voters.

“The biggest thing that suppresses turnout is the current system,” said Councilman Jim Waring. “If we make a change, turnout’s going to go up just by virtue of the fact that we’re not doing the silly stuff we’re doing right this second.”

“I do want a higher voter turnout,” said Vice Mayor Laura Pastor. “But we also want those disenfranchised communities such as independents, Latinos, the voting bloc that comes out to vote to be able to have the access to vote. But to say turnout and access are the same thing is naïve and false.”

Councilmember Debra Stark made a motion to have staff draft language that could possibly push the mayor and council races to November in even-numbered years and runoff elections to March.

While there were concerns about costs and security if the city hired the county for elections, the council approved Stark’s motions and vowed to research other problems, including security and special elections.

Above all, voters must approve any changes to the city election cycle.