Tonight, voters in Los Angeles will determine whether or not to approve Charter Amendments 1 and 2, which would shift city elections from odd to even years so that they would coincide with state and national races. Currently,  the charters restrict both municipal leader and school board member electionsl to odd years, which has traditionally meant low voter turnout. Officials hope that this measure will increase voter turnout in city elections, which was just 21 percent in 2013 Mayoral elections compared to the 71 percent turnout in the November 2012 federal elections, according to League of Women Voters.

Arguments against approving the amendments include possible increases in the expense of elections, which would put incumbents and others backed by special interests at an advantage. The biggest opposition point to the two measures is that they would also allow the mayor, councilmembers and school board members an extra 18 months in office.

Those defending the two amendments argue that approving the measures would ease the burden on voters who must make an effort to come out and vote just months after major elections. They also believe the amendments will be an effective tool in encouraging participation from young black and Latino voters.

Aside from the architect of the measures, Herb Wesson, 10th District, supporters of the Charter amendments include Councilmen Jose Huizar,14th District and the President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

Opponents of the Charter Amendments include Councilman Bernard Parks, 8th District, as well as eight of the 14 candidates running to replace Councilman Tom Labonge, 4th District. 

Reach contributer Sara Krevoy here.