Title
Consideration of and action on an ordinance calling a General Election for May 2, 2026, to elect Council Positions 4, 5 & 6 establishing two 12 hour early voting days and other election related items.
Body
Summary:
Council Positions 4, 5 & 6 are elected in odd numbered years. Per Texas Election Code - for an election to be held on a uniform election date, the election shall be ordered not later than the 78th day before election day (2/13/26).
Election Day (5/2/26) will be still be held at City Hall in the Council Chambers and early voting will be conducted in the City Secretary’s office suite at City Hall.
Early voting will start on Monday, April 20 and will end on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (excluding Sat/Sun). Early voting is 7 days long. Per council’s request, the city offers two extended voting days of 12 hours, those days will be Monday, April 20th and Tuesday, April 28th (first & last days of voting). The other days will be from 7:30 - 5:30 pm (including Friday).
As a reminder, that due to recent legislation, the Secretary of State’s office sets the runoff date for the uniform May election which overrides our charter runoff scheduling.
If there are no opponents for the positions open, then the general election will be cancelled.
An ordinance calling a General Election for the City of Deer Park, Texas, on May 2, 2026, for the election of mayor and councilmember positions one, two and three; establishing the election precinct for such election; establishing the twelve-hour early voting days; the polling place locations; appointing the early voting clerk, naming the election judges; granting authority to election judge and/or early voting clerk to appoint early voting ballot board judges and clerks; setting the runoff election date of June 13, 2026; providing for judges and clerks compensation; and providing for notice.
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact:
Estimated Cost is $10,000-$15,000. This is a budgeted item.
Recommended action
Adopt the ordinance calling for a general election for May 2, 2026, and establishing two 12 hour early voting days and other election related items.