On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation allowing local governments to move elections scheduled for May 2 to November 3, in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I strongly encourage local election officials to take advantage of these waivers and postpone their elections until November,” said Abbott. “Right now, the state’s focus is responding to COVID-19—including social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. By delaying this election, our local election officials can assist in that effort.”
According to Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs, the postponement does not have the effect of reopening candidate filings. Individuals who currently hold public offices that are scheduled to be on the ballot on the May uniform election date will continue to exercise the duties of those offices until the new officers take their oaths of office, following the November uniform election date.
Abbott has yet to delay the May primary runoff elections, although such a move appears imminent.
When asked about the prospect of expanding mail-in ballot eligibility to avoid in-person voting yesterday, Abbott simply replied, “Everything’s on the table.”
