A controversial proposal to change the date of the municipal elections in the city of Miami would allow the current administration of Mayor Francis Suárez to remain in power for an additional year.
Commissioner Damián Pardo suggested this week that local elections be moved from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years, aiming to align them with general elections and thereby encourage greater citizen participation, reported El Nuevo Herald.
However, the measure would involve canceling the city elections —in Miami-Dade County— scheduled for November 2025 and postponing them until 2026.
The proposal, which is set to be voted on Tuesday in the City Commission, has been interpreted by some as a sensible reform, while others view it as a maneuver by officials to extend their terms.
One of the biggest beneficiaries would be the current mayor, the Cuban-American Francis Suárez, who is about to reach the limit of his term and, if the change is approved, could remain in office for another year.
Although the idea was originally driven by Suárez himself, it will be reviewed in court due to concerns about its legality.
More than 4,000 citizens have signed petitions to support the electoral transfer, but the issue has escalated to state authorities.
The Attorney General of Florida, James Uthmeier, recently issued an opinion stating that the change in the election date cannot be made without the vote of the citizens.
Governor Ron DeSantis supported Uthmeier, who asserts that "change can only proceed through the voters' ballot."
In contrast, Miami's municipal attorney, George Wysong, asserts that the commissioners have sufficient legal grounds to change the date through an ordinance, without the need for a referendum.
He cited a similar case in North Miami, where a judge upheld an identical measure in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Extension of Mayor Francis Suárez's Term
Why could Francis Suárez stay one more year as mayor of Miami?
Francis Suárez may remain mayor of Miami for another year due to a proposal to change the date of municipal elections from odd years to even years. This measure aims to align them with general elections and increase citizen participation, but it would also postpone the elections scheduled for 2025 until 2026.
Which sectors support and which oppose the proposal to change elections in Miami?
The proposal has been interpreted differently by various sectors. Some view the measure as a reasonable reform to enhance citizen participation in elections. However, others see it as a political maneuver to extend the terms of current officials, including Mayor Francis Suárez.
Is it legal to change the date of the municipal elections in Miami without a referendum?
The legality of changing the date without a referendum is in dispute. Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, argues that the change requires a vote from the citizens, while Miami's city attorney, George Wysong, claims that the commissioners can change the date through an ordinance.
What impact could the change of election date have on citizen participation in Miami?
The change in the election date is proposed with the aim of increasing citizen participation by aligning municipal elections with general elections. It is expected that this alignment with a larger-scale electoral event will encourage more citizens to go to the polls.
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