At today’s City Council meeting, I voted to move our next city election from May to November. My vote was based on increasing voter participation in city elections and saving money for Austin taxpayers. My vote was also based on the recommendation of County election officials, who actually conduct our elections. I’m obviously disappointed that the Council majority voted to preserve the May city election.

Because of this Council action it appears likely that the City of Austin will hold two elections in 2012: the regular Mayor/Council election in May, and an election to approve civil service status for our EMS personnel in November.

I have previously proposed that Austinites be given the chance to vote on changing our city charter to move local elections from May to November on a permanent basis, in order to increase voter participation and save money for taxpayers. November 2012 remains the best time to put that proposed city charter change on the ballot. I remain hopeful that a majority of the City Council will ultimately vote to support doing so.

Lee Leffingwell
Mayor