Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi announced a plan Wednesday to consolidate the county?s special election schedule to create a more transparent and accountable process.

Suozzi wants to whittle down the county?s nearly two dozen election dates to just two: one in November and one in May.

In these elections, voters decide on water, fire, sanitation and library commissioners in special districts. Those commissioners then decide how to spend taxpayers' money. Turnout for special elections is usually low, Suozzi says, in part because the schedule is so hectic and confusing.

"If the system wasn't broke, I?d say don?t fix it,? Suozzi says. ?But we have the highest local taxes in America.?

Civic activist Laura Mallay says polling places with greater oversight would be less intimidating for voters.

Suozzi now has to lobby state legislators to drum up support for his measure, which requires approval from Albany.

To watch Suozzi?s news conference, go to Channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.