MIAMI – A judge heard arguments Wednesday in the very first hearing in the very first lawsuit filed over Miami city commissioners’ decision to push back this November’s election to next year.
The attorney for mayoral candidate Emilio Gonzalez, a former city manager, argued the city’s vote to postpone the election can only be done by Miami voters.
“They can’t amend their charter without a vote of the electorate,” attorney Alan Lawson said.
An attorney for the city argues that Florida law authorizes it.
“Nowhere does it say that it’s amending the city charter,” Assistant City Attorney Eric Eves said. “The city’s charter language remains in effect.”
Miami’s commission voted to move the elections to even-numbered years to align with bigger state and local elections, to save the city millions and boost voter turnout that is traditionally weak for city elections.
The lawsuit called the change reminiscent of regimes and dictatorships that force upon voters what they think is best, while securing for themselves additional time and power.
The suit is asking to vacate the new extension.
“I’m going to reserve ruling and I’m going to ask for proposed orders,” Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Valerie Manno Schurr said.
Manno Schurr seemed interested in a prior ruling by another judge that allowed the city of North Miami to move its elections.
The proposed orders are due by Thursday.
