Community Groups Gather as SB 1494 Election Changes Are Explained
Upon any review of past events of a certain magnitude in history, we can learn from events, of all types, at specific times. What this now brings to mind is the quote: “the past is prologue” – which some have said means “past events represent a preview of the future.”
Presently, the Texas Legislature has proposed a calendar change to the dates for municipal elections, in the form of Texas Senate Bill 1494, which was passed in June of 2025 with unanimous, bipartisan support. This legislation allows cities to move their municipal elections from May to November (odd-year), but must do so by December 31, 2025.
To familiarize voters of this change, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones presented this proposal, in her first town hall, last Saturday, at the Central Library. The messages were shared with citizens, via a printed flyer, which outlined the filing deadline, the rationale and the potential benefits of this change. The bill requires the cities must do so by December 31, 2025 should they want to change the election time.
Saving Money with a Higher Turnout
The mayor vigorously explained the potential benefits- saving the city money and increasing voter turnout which she emphasized should be viewed as legitimate advantages. Mayor Jones also pointed to Houston as an example, noting that its spring turnout hovered around 10%, similar to San Antonio’s average, yet after moving its municipal elections, Houston saw participation rise to 20%.
In San Antonio’s case, a change to the fall would eliminate election dates from “competing with Fiesta or Night In Old San Antonio.” The potential benefits of more people participating could not be discounted and would create a more positive relationship between elected officials and their constituents.
Support to Move Municipal Elections
Presently, Austin, Houston and Dallas have their municipal elections in November. The mayor shared that there is a “B” session scheduled for September 10, which citizens are invited to attend. A city council vote, on the proposed change will come in the following week.
The audience and supporters consisted of a cross section of the community, especially from community organizations that address voter registration and turnout, including: League of Women Voters, VOTO, LULAC (shared a letter of support), Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, Texas Organizing Project, ACT4SA, and the Texas Latino Policy Institute.
There were a few questions regarding Project Marvel, the lack of revenue sharing, by the Spurs over time, an advisory that she is considering requesting City Manager Eric Walsh to inquire as to renegotiation of the Term Sheet.
The mayor further invited audience members to attend future town halls, to be held in each council district. It appears that Mayor Jones is making a concerted effort to address constituents “wherever they are”, in hopes of getting more citizens to get involved and to vote, which is more than commendable!
