One can imagine, or has even experienced, confusion, ignorance and apathy that usually accompany most local elections for ESDs, ISDs, MUDs, etc., which often take place in obscure polling places and at different times. I believe that aggregating the election process for all local, county and/or regional entities, that either have taxing authority or collect fees from the public, will best serve the public which pays in to the treasuries of these agencies.
I am a registered Republican and a Delegate from PCT. 0519, SD 07, State Rep. 130. I request of the Texas Senate and State Legislature to devise a law whereby we create:
- Legislative and Judicial Election Day
a. The Election of ALL Federal Offices, and Statewide Legislative and Administrative Offices/Commissions, and Judicial positions, elected by the public, be held on the first Tuesday of November in the year prior to the Biannual Legislative Session of The State of Texas (even number years).
b. Any nation- or state-wide referendum or bond issuance authorization, requiring the vote of the public shall be held on this Federal and State Legislative and Judicial Election Day.
c. All primary, runoff and general elections for the contested offices or judgeships or plebiscites shall be supervised by the Texas SOS, County Clerk and any existing local or state election board or authority. - County and Local Election Day
a. The Election of ALL Local County, Municipal, Administrative or Managerial positions such as Mayor, Council Member, County Judge or administrator, Precinct Commissioner, Sheriff, JoP, and Trustees, Directors, Board Members, Officers, etc. of, an ISD, an ESD, a MUD, a Port Authority, Regional Water Authority, and any other public or quasi-public entity whose Boards and Managements are elected by the public, and which entity either has taxing authority or collects fees from the public, be held on the First Tuesday of November in the year following the Legislative and Judicial elections (odd numbered years).
b. Any incumbent in an official elected position whose term in office expires within an odd numbered year would have their term extended by statute until December 31 of the odd numbered election year or another date in order to facilitate a smooth transition. All terms in office shall be for a minimum of two years, with no term lasting a duration of an odd number of years.
c. Any county or local referendum or bond issuance authorization, requiring the vote of the public shall be held on this County and Local Election Day.
d. All primary, runoff and general elections for the contested county or local offices or plebiscites shall be supervised by the Texas SOS, County Clerk and any existing local or state election board or authority.
Nicholas Lyras, of Cypress, TX, submitted this commentary for EmpowerTexans.com and Texas Scorecard.