The Austin Independent School District’s board has voted unanimously to move trustee elections from May to November of even numbered years. Trustee Rob Schneider says the move will save the district money and increase the number of people voting in AISD elections, since they would coincide with state and federal elections.
“If you look at the percentage of voters in May of even numbered years versus November of even numbered years, it’s literally like ten percent or so on average for May versus fifty or sixty percent for November. I mean the more people you have involved and informed the better your process is going to be, so it was a very easy decision for me to make," Schneider told KUT News.
AISD joins the Austin Community College board, which also recently made the switch to hold elections in November. But the Austin City Council voted to keep its elections in May for now. That means the City of Austin will have to foot the bill for that May 2012 election alone. Travis County elections officials say it will cost the city $1.25 million. That doesn't include the cost of any runoff elections, if they're needed.
On the subject of November elections, today is the last day for Texans to register to vote in the November 8th constitutional amendment election. Travis County’s also holding a bond election that day. Early voting starts later this month. You can find more information, and take a look at sample ballots, at VOTETEXAS.org.