Texas voters will be treated to a “bonus” election in May during an election cycle that already features primary runoff elections and local ballot races.
“The Legislature met really late last year and during those second and third special sessions of the Legislature, there were constitutional amendment propositions passed by two thirds of both houses,” said Sam Taylor, the assistant Texas Secretary of State for Communications. “So those, by default, automatically got put on the May ballot rather than the November ballot … when they usually appear.”
In addition to the constitutional amendment propositions, several local entities will have contests for municipal, school board and other positions, as well as some local propositions. The local ballot depends on where a person lives. For example, Austin residents will get a chance to weigh in on no-knock police warrants and penalties for marijuana possession, KUT. In North Texas, several local entities have races to decide city council and mayoral seats.
“Looking at past constitutional amendment elections that are in November, usually the turnout is in the single digits. It's somewhere between maybe five and eight percent, or sometimes even lower than five,” he said. “It really depends on what's on the ballot. But because property taxes are such a visible issue and an issue that a lot of Texans are talking about and thinking about, then I think that has the potential to drive voters to the polls.
Texas law mandates that voters cast ballots in the same party election during the runoff as they did during the primary. That means a voter can only vote in the Republican runoff election if they voted in the Republican primary in March. The same goes for Texans who cast ballots in the Democratic primary.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Pent-up demand may win the day’: Texans are ready to road trip, despite inflationWith summer approaching, pent-up Texans appear eager to road trip around the 270,000 square miles of the largest state south of Alaska. The state’s travel...
Read more »
What’s on the ballot for the May 7 city, school board elections in North TexasElection Day is Saturday, May 7, for city council and school board races across North Texas. Here’s a guide to let you know what’s on the ballot now that...
Read more »
Missing Texas National Guard Soldier Identified as 22-Year-Old Arlington ManThe Texas Military Department is continuing to search for a Texas National Guard soldier who went missing on Friday in Maverick County.
Read more »
Retrial to begin in Texas for man charged with killing 18Billy Chemirmir, 49, faces life in prison without parole if he’s convicted of capital murder in the smothering of 81-year-old Lu Thi Harris.
Read more »
Former rugby star Pedrie Wannenburg killed in Texas crash caused by teen fleeing from authoritiesHe was killed when a 16-year-old who was fleeing from deputies in Texas crashed into him. The athlete and coach was in the vehicle with his 8-year-old son, who remains in critical condition.
Read more »
Supporters raise awareness on Melissa Lucio case days before scheduled Texas executionFriends, family, and even complete strangers all gathered together in front of the state capitol on Saturday to show support for Melissa Lucio, a Texas mother on death row.
Read more »