Type of Intervention: Executive Order
Sectors Involved: Local Government
Intervention Categories: Legal and policy; Electoral changes
Level of Jurisdiction: Texas
Lead People/Agency: Governor Greg Abbott
Overview: Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation suspending provisions of the Texas Election Code to allow political subdivisions to postpone their 2020 local elections. This means local governments now have the ability to postpone their May 2, 2020 elections until November 3, 2020.
Full details here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-proclamation-allowing-for-postponement-of-local-elections-set-for-may-2nd
Type of Justification: Predicted cause-effect relationship
Evidence/Justification: This follows a proclamation passed the day prior, March 17, where Governor Greg Abbott set the special election for the Texas State Senate District 14 on Tuesday July 14, 2020 instead of May 2, 2020. This decision was made considering consultation with the Secretary of State’s office on ways to ensure public health in upcoming elections. The primary reason is focused on social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. “Right now, the state’s focus is responding to COVID-19 — including social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. By delaying this election, our local election officials can assist in that effort.”