Summary

Sets a new condition on federal election administration funding: starting in fiscal year 2027, a state will lose these funds if it does not allow its local governments to hold local-office elections in odd‑numbered years. It does not force localities to use odd years; it requires states to permit the option. It also states Congress’s view that off-cycle local elections can help voters focus on local issues, reduce ballot overcrowding, and support effective local governance.

Key Points

• Conditions HAVA election administration funds on states allowing odd-year local elections for local offices
• States that prohibit odd-year local elections would lose federal election administration funding starting FY 2027
• Does not mandate odd-year elections; it mandates that states permit localities to choose them
• Includes congressional findings that off-cycle local elections can improve voter focus and reduce ballot overcrowding
• No new spending or taxes; this is a restriction on eligibility for existing federal funds
• Applies statewide policies but directly affects local governments’ election scheduling authority
• May require statutory or regulatory changes in states with even-year-only consolidation rules
• Effective for fiscal years 2027 and onward

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