Gov. Greg Abbott issues proclamation allowing local May elections to be postponed to November

The coronavirus outbreak is continuing to spread uncertainty around governmental affairs—including local elections.

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation March 18 to allow political subdivisions to postpone their May 2020 local elections, according to a news release from Abbott’s office.

This means local governments now have the ability to postpone their May 2 elections until the general election day on Nov. 3.

"I strongly encourage local election officials to take advantage of these waivers and postpone their elections until November," Abbott said in the news release. "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."

In response to the governor’s proclamation, Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs released an election advisory to provide guidance for political subdivisions on the process of postponing their May 2 elections.

Among the guidelines, Hughs orders any entities that are postponing their election to post a notice on their website and alert local media organizations regarding their change.