City Elections moved to Nov 3

The City of Rosebud announced last week that they would be postponing the May 2 election until Nov. 3.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a proclamation on March 18 that allowed municipalities to delay local elections scheduled for May 2 until November, but left the ultimate decision to local officials. At that point, the City of Rosebud elected to postpone their election.

This past week, Abbott issued a Essential Services and Activities Protocol proclamation that would have prevented them from having the election in May if the city had not previously decided to. 

The city would have had a number of obstacles as well.

“This most recent executive order will prevent you from securing polling places, recruiting  election workers, and allowing voters a safe way to exercise their right to vote,” said Keith Ingram, an Election Divisions Director with the Secretary of the State, in an email to election officials.

The order extends social distancing guidelines through April 30, defines essential services, and  extends school closures across the state through May 4, 2020. If the elections were held, voters would have been exposed to a number of health risks and even possibly criminal violations. 

Rosebud has a total of five positions up for election this year. The Mayor at Large position, currently held by Roy Spivey, is up for grabs, as well both Alderman positions in Ward I, and one position in Ward II and Ward III. 

Both positions in Ward I being up for grabs is abnormal, as there is usually one position up at a time. 

Anthony Vasquez ran unopposed during last year’s election, which left him with a one-year term. Additionally, Randall Burton was appointed to his position in January under the notion that he was completing the rest of the term and would have to run again to serve a full term. Both of the other Alderman, Isabel McBee in Ward II and Debra Kimble in Ward III, have completed a full term. 

Information has not yet been released on voting procedures or schedules for the November election, but more information will be provided as it becomes available.