Municipal Election Date Change: Your Action Needed
The Time to Act is Now
Take Action Today
Contact Representative Matt Shaheen, Chair of the House Elections Committee, and urge him to advance SB 1494 and HB 3097 to a floor vote.
Phone: (512) 463-0594
Email: matt.shaheen@house.texas.gov
Why it's urgent: Dallas voters already approved moving municipal elections from May to November (67% support), but state legislation is required to implement this change. Without approval this session, implementation will be delayed from 2027 to 2029.
SB 1494 (Senator Johnson) has passed the Senate unanimously, but both it and the companion bill HB 3097 (Representative Anchia) remain stalled in the House Elections Committee chaired by Rep. Shaheen.
Why This Matters to Dallas Businesses
Higher voter turnout leads to more representative leadership and consistent policy direction, creating a more stable business environment
Broader participation means elected officials have stronger mandates to implement long-term economic development policies
Alignment with standard election cycles reduces confusion and administrative burdens for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions
Cost savings from consolidated elections frees up resources for infrastructure and public services that support business growth
Sample Message (Phone or Email)
"Hello, I'm [NAME] with [COMPANY] in Dallas. I urge Representative Shaheen to advance Senate Bill 1494 and House Bill 3097, which implement Dallas voters' approved change to November municipal elections. This change would increase voter participation, create more stable governance, and respect the 67% of voters who supported this measure. Without approval this session, implementation will be delayed until 2029. Please advance these bills to a floor vote soon. Thank you."
NDCC's Position
The NDCC strongly supports both bills based on our Guiding Principles of Fostering Civic and Community Engagement and Adherence to Business Principles. Moving elections to November would significantly increase voter participation while creating efficiencies in election administration.
This position has been advised by the NDCC Board of Directors Public Policy Council. Learn more about our Guiding Principles at: https://ndcc.org/guiding-principles-for-advocacy/
Additional Actions
Forward this information to colleagues and business associates
Review the bill details:
This analysis is based on information compiled by the NDCC regarding the status of Senate Bill 1494 and House Bill 3097.