The General City Election shall be held annually on the first Saturday in May, or such other date as may be specified for a General City Election by the Texas Election Code, at which time Council members will be elected to fill those places which become vacant that year. The election shall be ordered by the Mayor on resolution of the Council, and the Mayor, on resolution of the Council, shall order such special elections as are authorized by state laws and the provisions of this Charter. Notice of elections shall be published in the official newspaper of the City once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks, the first publication to be not earlier than the thirtieth (30th) day nor later than the tenth (10th) day before election day.
The Council shall appoint a presiding election judge and an alternate presiding judge for each polling place in which an election is held. The presiding election judge for each polling place shall appoint the election clerks to assist the judge in the conduct of the election at the polling place served by the judge. The appointment of clerks and judges shall be consistent with the provisions of Chapter 32, Texas Election Code. The Council shall also state the hours and set the places for holding each election and shall make all regulations it considers necessary or desirable, not inconsistent with this Charter or the Laws of the State governing elections. Voters for City elections shall be only resident qualified voters in accordance with state and City laws and regulations.
(Sec. 3.01. amended by general election; May 14, 2005)
Any person qualified under Section 2.05 who desires to become a candidate for the Council and to have his or her name appear on the ballot, shall file with the City Secretary, or his or her representative, during regular office hours and within the filing period prescribed by 143.007, Texas Election Code, a signed application, on a form provided by the City Secretary. Before certifying an applicant’s name to appear on the ballot, the City Secretary shall verify that the residence stated by the applicant is consistent with the residency qualifications for the office being sought. Should an applicant be found disqualified, the City Secretary shall immediately notify the applicant and the Mayor by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the nature of the disqualification.
The names of all candidates for the office of Council member, except such as may have died, withdrawn or become ineligible, shall be printed on the official ballot without party designation in the order determined in a drawing conducted by the City Secretary, pursuant to 52.094, Texas Election Code. If two candidates have the same or similar surnames they may be further identified in accordance with 2.032, Texas Election Code.
All official ballots shall be printed at least twenty (20) days prior to date of the election and early voting shall be governed by the general election laws of this State.
At any regular or special election the candidates for the Office of Council member who shall receive the greater number of votes for the office for which he is a candidate be declared elected. In the event a tie vote makes it impossible to determine a winning candidate, the Council shall order a run-off election between the tied candidates on the third Tuesday following the election where the tie occurred.
The Judge of the Court shall be appointed by the Council to serve at the pleasure of the Council and at such salary as may be fixed by the Council.
When the Judge is absent, disabled, or unable to perform his or her duties for any cause, or the office becomes vacant by reason of death, removal or resignation, the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tempore shall be the Judge of said Court, or the Council may appoint a Special Judge of said court who shall serve until the Judge of said court returns to his or her duties, or a successor is appointed and qualified.
(Sec. 5.02. amended by general election; May 14, 2005)
[1]
Editor's Note- Original has this as § 5.02
The Judge of the Municipal Court shall appoint a court clerk who shall have the power to administer oaths and affidavits, make certificates, affix the court’s seal, and do and perform all acts and duties permitted and required of clerks of courts of Texas in issuing processes and conducting the business of said court.
[1]
Editor's Note- Original has this as § 5.03