Photo courtesy of Jake Ettinger.
The Dallas City Council voted unanimously today to move the municipal election date.
In a 15-0 vote in favor, the council upheld the approval from voters who cast ballots in November 2024 for the change. Over 65% of those voters approved moving the municipal election date from May to November of odd-numbered years.
Dallas voters will now cast their ballots for City Council and the mayor in November 2027.
This years-long effort to change our city’s election date from May to November of odd-years will mean higher turnout, improved voter access, and financial savings for taxpayers, District 1 City Council member Chad West said.
Rep. Rafael Anchía, who represents areas of Dallas, Irving, Carrollton and Farmers Branch, brought SB 1494 to the 89th Texas State Legislative session where it passed in June to allow cities to make that change.
Following the vote, Anchía and West joined other advocates for the change at a press conference.
“With today’s vote, Dallas will finally move out of last place for voter turnout in major U.S. cities,” West said. “This achievement would not be possible without the years-long dedication, advocacy, and vision of D1 resident and Charter Review Commissioner David de la Fuente. I’m excited to see our city benefit as more people show up and vote in the years to come.”
