This Election Day isn't just about candidates for state and federal office. Three Memphis charter amendments on the ballot could change the way the city does its politics. This week on WKNO-TV's Behind the Headlines, host Eric Barnes is joined by city council member Martavius Jones, law professor Steve Mulroy and reporter Bill Dries of the Daily Memphian.
If approved by voters, one of the charter amendments would allow three consecutive, four-year terms for city council members and the mayor. Mulroy opposes this amendment, arguing that the wording on the ballot is misleading and the change will make it “easier for incumbents to stay in power.” Jones says that it is a full-time job being a council member or mayor. He believes that officials need more time than currently given in office to better perform their jobs.
The other two charter amendments will determine the procedures for runoff voting. Jones says that he does not agree with the rank choice voting system, also known as runoff voting. Mulroy, on the other hand, thinks that there should be a change in the process of how people vote.
