Miami Commission Votes Election Delay, Term Limits Amid Legal Challenge

Miami City Commissioners voted to move city elections from odd to even years, aligning them with presidential or gubernatorial races to increase voter turnout, which is currently low at around 10-15 percent. This change would delay the upcoming November 2025 election to 2026, effectively extending the terms of current officials, including Mayor Francis Suarez and some commissioners, by an extra year. The commission also approved lifetime term limits of two terms (16 years) for commissioners and mayors to address concerns about political longevity. The decision has sparked controversy and legal debate, with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stating that such a delay requires voter approval, while Miami City Attorney George Wysong contends the commission has the authority to make the change without a referendum. The measure passed a preliminary vote and awaits a final decision, with some commissioners opposing the proposal and others supporting it, citing cost savings of about $1 million and hopes for increased civic engagement. The issue remains contentious amid differing interpretations of state law and local governance rules.