Public Citizen Urges San Antonio City Council To Move Local Elections from May to November
The San Antonio City Council will consider the proposed change this Thursday
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio should join other major Texas cities in moving its local elections from May to November of odd-numbered years, Public Citizen said today ahead of Thursday’s expected city council vote.
“This should be an easy call,” said DeeDee Belmares, a member of Public Citizen’s Texas office and lifelong San Antonian. “In 2025, San Antonians went to the polls in May to elect a new mayor and decide several city council races. Then, in November, San Antonians were asked to go to the polls again to vote on state constitutional amendments and other issues. Holding one election costs taxpayers less, and voting once instead of twice is simpler, especially for working families. The shift could increase participation in what are usually low-turnout municipal elections.”
The Texas Legislature gave municipalities until the end of the year to move their elections to the uniform election date in November. This move saves taxpayers money and increases turnout. Last month, Dallas became the latest major city to move its elections, with its city council voting unanimously 15-0.
Council consideration of the proposal is scheduled for this Thursday’s San Antonio City Council A Session.