The Dallas Charter Review Commission is looking at amendments that could move city elections from May to November and change the term length and limit for City Council members.

The possible changes could affect voting turnout and make it easier for council members to get more work done during their terms without having to campaign for election every two years, city staff said.

The overview

The commission, made up of 15 council-appointed members, is tasked with reviewing the Dallas City Charter, a process that takes place every 10 years. Members can recommend changes to the charter, which will be submitted to City Council for consideration no later than May 21.

Council members may approve, change or disregard the commission’s recommendations. Any council-approved amendments will be listed as propositions on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot for Dallas voters.


The current situation

Council members currently serve two-year terms and are limited to four terms, while the mayor serves a four-year term and is limited to two terms. Currently, elections are not staggered, meaning all council members are up for election every two years in May.

The options

There are currently three proposals for consideration, Government Affairs Manager Jake Anderson said during a Nov. 7 presentation to the commission.
  • Council members would serve three-year terms with a three-term limit. Election cycles would be staggered, meaning council members and the mayor would be elected in different years.
  • Council members would serve four-year terms with a two-term limit. All council members and the mayor would be up for election at the same time.
  • Council members would serve three-year terms with a three-term limit. All council members and the mayor would be up for election at the same time.
Council members are not legally allowed to serve terms longer than four years, but there are no state limitations on how many terms they can serve.


At the same time, the commission is considering moving elections to November. General elections are currently held in May of odd numbered years, while special elections, such as bond and charter elections, can be held in either May or November, according to commission documents.

Get involved

Residents can suggest charter amendments to the commission by:The deadline for residents to suggest amendments is Dec. 15. City staff will review the suggestions and add them to a running list for the charter review commission to consider.