By Julie Tomascik
Editor
The May primary runoff elections will be delayed until July in response to the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in the Lone Star State.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed an order Friday, March 20, issuing the postponement under the emergency powers of his statewide disaster declaration.
The primary runoff elections, which were originally set for May 26, are now scheduled for July 14. Early voting will begin July 6.
“The postponement of this election serves to help fulfill the governor’s recent executive orders mandating certain obligation for Texans that are aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, including the encouragement of social distancing,” according to a press release from the governor’s office. “Holding the runoff in May would cause the congregation of large gatherings of people in confined spaces and cause numerous election workers to come into close proximity with others. This would threaten the health and safety of many Texans.”
Dozens of runoffs for party nominations to federal, state and local offices will be on the ballot.
“The runoff elections have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but that doesn’t mean Texans shouldn’t still be evaluating candidates and be prepared to vote when the time comes,” Regan Beck, Texas Farm Bureau director of Government Affairs, said. “Historically, the runoff elections have a low voter turnout, so every vote counts.”
Abbott also issued a proclamation to allow municipalities to delay local elections scheduled for May 2 until November. Individual municipalities, however, will have to act to postpone those elections, because Abbott cannot order those postponements himself.
According to news reports in late March, at least 13 states have postponed runoff elections. More delays in other states are possible as health officials warn that social distancing and other measures to contain the virus might be in place for weeks.