Skip Navigation

November 5, 2024 Special Election

 

Bastrop Special Municipal Election Overview

The City of Bastrop is calling a Special Election for November 5, 2024 for the purpose of amending the Home Rule Charter.

 

Ordering of Special Election

Order for November 5, 2024 Special Election (English/Spanish)

 

Notice of Special Election

Notice of November 5, 2024 Special Election - ENGLISH

Notice of November 5, 2024 Special Election - SPANISH

 

Important Dates

Monday, October 7, 2024:  Last Day to Register to Vote in time to vote at the November 5, 2024 Election.

 

Monday, October 21, 2024:  First Day of Early Voting

 

Friday, November 1, 2024:  Last Day of Early Voting

 

Saturday, November 5, 2024:  Election Day, polls are open 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

 

Voting Information

 

Early Voting Hours

Early voting for the November 5th Election begins Monday, October 21 and runs through Friday, November 1, 2024.

 

During early voting, Bastrop residents can vote at the Bastrop County Courthouse Annex, 804 Pecan St., Lower Level Conference Room or at any of the three(3) Branch Early Voting locations.

 

For a complete list of locations and hours, visit www.bastropvotes.org.

 

Early Voting Hours:

  • Monday, October 21 - Friday, October 25:  8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Monday, October 28 - Friday, November 1:  7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

 

  • Saturday, October 26:  7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 27:  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

 

Fiscal Analysis of Charter Amendments

 

Important Links

 

Frequently Asked Questions on Charter Amendment - Proposition M

  • No. 

     

    The current policy for marijuana enforcement by City of Bastrop Police Officers already declares marijuana as the city's lowest enforcement priority. If Proposition M passes, how marijuana possession enforcement by City of Bastrop Police would change and potentially be increased. 

  • No.

     

    Currently, discriminatory practices are not used with the City of Bastrop Police Department.

  • Yes.
  • It is possible.

     

    Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued five (5) cities over marijuana policies preventing enforcement of Texas Drug Laws. 

     

    In 2022, the City of Elgin voters approved this measure; however, the city has not enforced the laws due to conflicts with state regulations. Despite this, a lawsuit was still filed by the Attorney General's Office. Currently, the City of Elgin is involved in a consent decree and is considering repealing the ordinance.

     

    The cities being sued by the Attorney General's Office are Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Denton. Click the link below for more information regarding this subject: 

    Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Five Cities Over Marijuana Policies Preventing Enforcement of Texas Drug Laws | Office of the Attorney General (texasattorneygeneral.gov)

  • Yes.

     

    The associated costs will stem from placing the measure on the ballot, with a significant portion likely going toward lawsuits and attorney fees. Additional expenses impacting the City of Bastrop Police Department may include lost of grant funding, officer salaries and overtime, lost revenue from citations that could have been issued, increased jail costs, and higher expenses for case preparation materials and manhours.

  • Yes. 

     

    With a potential lawsuit looming against the City of Bastrop from the Texas Attorney General, there’s a possibility that the State may reduce funding or deny grants in response to the proposed changes in enforcement measures.

  • Article X - Initiative, Referendum, and Recall Section 10.01 Power of Initiative - "The people of the City reserve the power to direct legislation by initiative and, in the exercise of such power, may propose any ordinance not in conflict with this charter or state law, except an ordinance appropriating money or authorizing the levy of taxes or an ordinance repealing an ordinance appropriating money or levying taxes. Any initiated ordinance may be submitted by a petition signed by registered voters of the city equal in number to at least twenty (20) percent of the number of registered voters residing in the city at the time of the last regular city election..."

The Mission of the City of Bastrop is to continuously strive to provide innovative and proactive services that enhance our authentic way of life to achieve our vision.