Commissioners unanimously agreed to change the law regarding City Commission elections.

Beginning with the elections in 2011, City Commission elections will require a primary if seven or more candidates file for seats on the City Commission.

That was the standard used for many years, but during the last elections a state law change increased the number of candidates needed for a primary to 10. Commissioners have the ability to exempt the city from the state law.

Commissioners said they agreed to do so because they believe the lack of a primary in 2009 decreased voter participation.