Deerfield Beach split on proposal to move municipal elections to November; mayor and vice mayor diverge

A heated debate over whether to move Deerfield Beach municipal elections from March of odd-numbered years to November of even-numbered years dominated much of the July 2 workshop, with commissioners sharply split over voter engagement, incumbent advantage and election costs.

Vice Mayor Hudach urged moving elections to November under Option A — beginning in November 2028 with one-time term adjustments to preserve staggered seats — arguing that March elections produce low turnout and cost the city tens of thousands of dollars. Hudach cited examples: "I represent about 23,000 residents and less than 1,840 voted. That's 8%." He added that the mayoral election cost the city roughly $125,000 to $139,000 in prior cycles and that, under Broward County practice, putting only municipal candidates on the November ballot could be free to the city.

Commissioner Preston and others countered that March elections produce a different, more engaged electorate. "It forces [candidates] to be a better candidate," Preston said, warning that moving municipal contests to November could dilute voters’ attention and advantage incumbents. He argued candidates in March must work directly in the community, an engagement he said is valuable even if turnout numbers are lower.

Madam Clerk supplied the data underlying the dispute: estimated costs of roughly $63,000 for a March 2027 standalone election and about $150,000 for a citywide March 2029 election, using 44,956 registered voters as the basis for calculations; the county’s supervisor of elections indicated the city would not be charged for November if only municipal candidates are on that ballot.

After a lengthy exchange, the mayor said there was majority consensus to advance Option A to ordinance language for a July 21 first reading so the question can be framed and — if the commission later approves ordinances — put to voters. No final charter change was adopted at the workshop; the commission’s procedural move sends a draft option to the July 21 meeting for formal readings and potential placement on the November ballot.

The debate highlights a common trade-off: higher turnout figures in general elections versus the local focus and candidate engagement that a stand‑alone municipal election can produce. The commission will vote on ordinance language at the July 21 meeting.