Greenbelt's Board of Elections is considering significant changes to the electoral process, including the potential for four-year terms for council members and the introduction of a recall procedure. During a recent work session, council members discussed the implications of these changes, which could reshape local governance.

The board has not taken a definitive stance on whether council members should serve two or four-year terms. However, they suggested that if the council decides to put the question to voters via a referendum, it could also include a proposal for a recall mechanism. This would allow citizens to remove elected officials from office before their term ends, addressing concerns about accountability.

Council member Roberts emphasized the need for citizens to have the ability to petition for referendums on various issues, noting that the current requirement of approximately 3,000 signatures is excessively high. He argued that this threshold should be recalibrated to ensure fairer access for residents wishing to influence local governance.

The discussion also touched on the idea of staggered four-year terms, which would allow for elections every two years while alternating the number of council seats contested. However, this concept was not thoroughly explored in the meeting, leaving questions about its feasibility and impact on local representation.

Another critical topic was the potential establishment of election districts. Council members acknowledged the complexity of this issue, as it could involve various configurations and voting methods. The goal would be to ensure equitable representation across different neighborhoods in Greenbelt.

As the council continues to deliberate on these matters, the outcomes could significantly affect how residents engage with their local government. The next steps will likely involve gathering more information and possibly putting these questions to a vote, allowing the community to weigh in on the future of their electoral system.