How to Vote in San Antonio’s Runoff Election: What You Need to Know
The results of several San Antonio city council races remain undecided following the city's general election on May 1. No candidate in districts 1, 2, 3, 5 or 9 managed to receive at least 50 percent of the vote, triggering a series of runoff elections that will be held on June 5:
- Runoff elections will be held on Saturday, June 5. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- You can also vote early and in person to avoid potential Election Day crowds, starting Monday, May 24.
- All registered voters age 65 and older can safely vote from home by submitting an absentee ballot before Election Day.
Here’s what else you need to know:
How do I register to vote?
The registration deadline for the runoff election was May 6, and only residents of the undecided districts can cast a ballot. But if you're already a registered voter, you can cast a ballot in the runoffs even if you didn't vote on May 1. You can check if you are registered on the Bexar County website.
You can vote at any polling location in Bexar County.
How can I get an absentee ballot? Are there important deadlines?
All voters 65 and older qualify to vote absentee by mail, and the Bexar County Elections Department recommends that they do, to avoid crowded polling places during the pandemic.
To get an absentee ballot, print the absentee vote application and mail it to the county's early voting clerk at 1103 S. Frio St., San Antonio, Texas 78207. Election officials must receive your application by May 25 at 5 p.m. You can also pick up and return an application form at the Bexar County Elections Department.
When is Election Day? When are polls open?
Saturday, June 5. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Can I vote in person before Election Day?
Yes, from Monday, May 24, through Tuesday, June 1. Check to see where you can cast a ballot before Election Day. You can also send in an absentee ballot before the election if you requested one.
Do I need identification to vote?
Yes. Acceptable forms of identification include a valid Texas driver’s license, a Texas election identification certificate, a United States passport or a Texas handgun license. Visit the secretary of state’s website for a complete list of acceptable IDs.
What is being done to make polling places safe from the coronavirus?
The same precautions that were implemented in the general election will be in place. There will be social distancing and hand sanitizing stations in polling places. Masks are not mandated but are recommended. Some polling sites may have temperature checks.
What races are on the ballot?
City council races in districts 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9.
- District 1: Incumbent Roberto Trevino vs. Mario Bravo
- District 2: Incumbent Jada Andrews-Sullivan vs. Jalen McKee-Rodriguez
- District 3: Phyllis Viagran vs. Tomas Uresti
- District 5: Teri Castillo vs. Rudy Lopez
- District 9: Incumbent John Courage vs. Patrick Von Dohlen
This guide, published on March 5, was updated on May 10 with more information about the June runoff elections.
Hear from the candidates:
District 1
- What transportation options do you support for people who can't or choose not to own a car?
- What do you propose to grow, develop and redevelop San Antonio in a way that addresses the specific needs of people 65 and up and younger people in their 20s?
District 2
- What transportation options do you support for people who can't or choose not to own a car?
- What policies will you support to protect the growing aging population and their ability to afford safe, accessible housing in proximity to community gathering spaces and health services?
- What do you propose to grow, develop and redevelop San Antonio in a way that addresses the specific needs of people 65 and up and younger people in their 20s?
District 5
- What transportation options do you support for people who can't or choose not to own a car?
- What policies will you support to protect the growing aging population and their ability to afford safe, accessible housing in proximity to community gathering spaces and health services?
- What do you propose to grow, develop and redevelop San Antonio in a way that addresses the specific needs of people 65 and up and younger people in their 20s?
Also of interest:
- Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections
- Keep up with local events and volunteer opportunities at local.aarp.org/san-antonio-tx
- Tune into a tele-town hall with Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacquelyn Callanen on April 13 at 2 p.m. CDT.
- Watch a recording of the April 6 mayoral debate hosted by NowCastSA and presented by AARP
