Dallas officials are eagerly awaiting approval from Texas lawmakers to shift the city’s nonpartisan municipal elections from May to November in odd-numbered years.
This proposal has already received backing from the Texas Senate as of April and is poised to be discussed on the House floor before the legislative session concludes on June 2.
If the bill gains traction in the House and is ultimately signed by Governor Greg Abbott, city council members would have until December 31, 2026, to facilitate this change in time for the 2027 elections.
Voting advocates have expressed their frustration over dismally low turnout rates in city elections, with only a little over 7% of eligible voters participating in the recent May 3 council races.
State Senator Nathan Johnson and State Representative Rafael Anchía, who are championing the proposal, assert that moving elections to November during odd-numbered years could potentially double voter turnout.
“That’s still pathetic, but it’s better,” Anchía noted, reflecting on the challenges that local elections face in terms of engagement.
For optimal turnout, some city leaders have considered aligning the elections with those in even-numbered years, which coincide with more popular partisan elections.
Such a strategy could boost voter turnout beyond 50%, drawing a more diverse voter base, albeit those attracted by partisan races and national political sentiments.
While the idea of synchronizing city elections with partisan ones in even-numbered years has merit, many leaders remain wary of the potential ramifications.
They are concerned that this association could inject partisanship into what are traditionally nonpartisan elections, shifting voters’ focus from local issues to broader partisan narratives.
Involvement from both major political parties in nonpartisan elections has increased over time, and placing these contests alongside congressional races would likely amplify this influence.
Former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, an advocate for moving elections to November in odd years since 2017, argues that blending these ballot types could compromise the essence of nonpartisan races.
“Dallas has been successful because we are a nonpartisan city. We’ve always reached across the aisles with our local issues,” Rawlings stated.
He further claimed that holding elections in partisan years would complicate and politicize local governance, diluting the focus on what’s best for the community.
Rawlings contends that although he appreciates the increased turnout seen in partisan elections, preserving the nonpartisan nature of Dallas elections is paramount.
He believes that with time, as voters become accustomed to participating in November elections, the overall voter engagement will improve.
“Over time, you’re going to have people getting into the mindset that they vote every November,” Rawlings expressed.
Historical data from other cities supports the idea that moving election dates to November significantly boosts turnout.
For instance, Austin transitioned its elections from May to November in even-numbered years in 2012, leading to a notable surge in participation: from low single digits to about 60.5% in 2018, nearly 71% in 2020, approximately 48% in 2022, and 58% in 2024.
Anchía has noted that while the potential for increased turnout is appealing, it comes with the risk of inviting a flood of new voters whose partisan affiliations could shift the dynamics of local elections.
“More voters lead to a better democracy,” he has remarked, yet emphasizes the need for local elections to retain their nonpartisan character.
Some lawmakers, however, support moving municipal elections to November, particularly to capitalize on the presence of partisan elections on the same ballot.
Recently, the Elections Committee advanced a separate bill proposing that all local elections be conducted in November, with options for odd-numbered years or in conjunction with partisan elections during even-numbered years.
Authored by State Senator Bryan Hughes, the bill aims to eliminate May as an option for local elections, except in cases of runoffs or emergencies.
If approved, this legislation may encourage some municipalities to explore holding elections in November of even-numbered years.
Both Republican and Democratic legislators recognize that such a shift would allow them greater influence over not only city elections but also school district contests.
As political battles increasingly take place at the local level—addressing issues like education, taxation, and essential services—the push for change in election timing highlights a broader trend.
The potential end of quiet, nonpartisan May elections marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Dallas and beyond.
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