All City elections shall be governed by and conducted in accordance with the Texas Election Code or other applicable State law, the Constitution of the State of Texas, this Charter, and by ordinance of the City regulating the holding of municipal elections. Councilmembers, including the Mayor, shall be elected to fill those positions which become vacant that year. The City Council shall fix the hours, place, and procedures for holding regular and special elections.
(Ordinance 2022-12-02 adopted 12/6/2022)
The City Council, by ordinance or resolution, may call such special elections as are authorized by State law or this Charter, fix the time and place of holding the same, and provide all means for holding such special elections in accordance with State law. Every special election shall be called and held, as nearly as practicable, to the provisions governing regular elections.
(Ordinance 2022-12-02 adopted 12/6/2022)
The City Council shall appoint election judges and other election officials and shall provide for the compensation of all election officials in City elections and for all other expenses in holding said elections.
(Ordinance 2022-12-02 adopted 12/6/2022)
Any qualified person as prescribed by Section 3.03 of this Charter may make application to have their name placed on the official ballot for the position of Councilmember or Mayor. The application shall be made in accordance with all applicable laws and shall state that the candidate agrees to serve if qualified and elected. Each candidate shall execute such oath and other official form or affidavit as required by the Texas Election Code. The City Secretary shall review the application and notify the candidate whether or not the application satisfies the requirements of this Charter and the Texas Election Code. If an application is insufficient, the City Secretary shall return it immediately to the candidate with a statement of such insufficiency. The candidate may file a new application within the regular time for filing applications. The City Secretary shall keep on file all applications found sufficient at least until the expiration of the term of office for which such candidates filed.
(Ordinance 2022-12-02 adopted 12/6/2022)
The order of the names of the candidates on the ballot shall be determined by the City Secretary in accordance with the procedures set out in the Texas Election Code. The name of each candidate seeking an elective office, except those who have withdrawn, died, or become ineligible prior to the time permitted for withdrawal, shall be printed on the official ballot in the name designated by the candidate in accordance with the Texas Election Code. Early voting shall be conducted in accordance with the Texas Election Code.
(Ordinance 2022-12-02 adopted 12/6/2022)
Returns of every municipal election shall be delivered forthwith by the election judges to the City Secretary, with a copy of the returns being sent to the Mayor. The City Council shall canvass the returns, investigate the qualifications of the candidates, and declare the official results of the election in accordance with timelines provided by the Texas Election Code. If two or more candidates for the same office tie for the number of votes required to be elected, a second election to fill the office shall be held in accordance with the Texas Election Code.
(Ordinance 2022-12-02 adopted 12/6/2022)