Nov 4 Election Results: Key Outcomes on Props A & B, Texas’ 17 Amendments, and Increased Voter Turnout

On November 4, voters in Bexar County made significant decisions affecting local sports and statewide policies. Two pivotal initiatives, Propositions A and B, were approved, alongside 17 constitutional amendments across Texas.

Key Outcomes of the Nov 4 Election

Propositions A & B Passed

• Proposition A: Received approximately 55.91% approval. It focuses on the preservation of the Frost Bank Center and the Freeman Coliseum, proposing to allocate between $192 million and $198 million for development.
• Proposition B: Garnered roughly 52.14% support. It seeks to fund a new downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs, with a similar financial framework as Proposition A.

Bexar County will contribute up to $311 million or 25% of the new arena’s estimated $1.3 billion cost. Funding will be sourced from a 5% car rental tax and an increased Hotel Occupancy Tax set at 2%.

Record Voter Turnout

Bexar County Elections Administrator Michele Carew reported a historic turnout of over 99,000 ballots. The turnout exceeded expectations, reaching 19.4%, surpassing earlier projections of 15% to 18%.

• Total ballots cast: 99,949
• Early voting participation: Over 140,000 residents

Polling delays were experienced due to a high volume of voters lining up around closing time.

Texas Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments

In a broader sweep, Texas voters approved all 17 proposed amendments. Noteworthy measures included:

• Proposition 1: Establishes permanent funding for Texas State Technical College System to enhance workforce education.
• Proposition 2: Prohibits taxes on realized and unrealized capital gains.
• Proposition 3: Mandates denial of bail for certain felonies.
• Proposition 14: Creates a Dementia Prevention and Research Institute with a $3 billion funding initiative.

Several amendments also aimed to increase property tax exemptions for specific groups, including veterans’ surviving spouses and disabled homeowners.

Looking Ahead

Spurs Managing Partner Peter J. Holt expressed optimism regarding the future development of the new arena, although no specific timeline was provided for its completion. Initial plans suggested a possible opening in 2028, with the Spurs’ current lease lasting until 2032.

The successful passage of Propositions A and B, combined with the comprehensive support for constitutional amendments, indicates an engaged electorate eager for change in Texas.