The San Antonio City Council is set to vote Thursday on a proposal to move future city elections from May to November, a change officials say could lower election costs and increase voter turnout.
City staff placed the item on the agenda after completing a review of election expenses and participation levels in recent municipal contests.
If approved, the change would place city races for mayor and City Council on the November ballot alongside state and federal elections.
Data from the city clerk’s office show that May municipal elections in San Antonio draw lower voter turnout than November general elections. City staff reported that November elections in Bexar County typically attract a larger share of registered voters.
Officials also said consolidating elections could reduce costs by limiting the number of separate election days the county must administer.
The proposal would apply to future city elections and would not change the term lengths of the mayor or council members. It would alter only the timing of elections.
The city attorney’s office briefed council members on legal requirements for changing the election date under the city charter and Texas law. Officials said any change must comply with the Texas Election Code.
City staff said moving elections to November would require updates to the city’s election calendar, including changes to candidate filing periods, ballot preparation schedules, and voter registration and mail ballot deadlines.
