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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-029 Runoff Election Polling LocationsMay 8, 2026 Report No. 2026-029 INFORMAL STAFF REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Runoff Election Polling Locations BACKGROUND: On Saturday, May 2, the City of Denton conducted its Regular Municipal Election for Places 5, 6, and 7 (Mayor), as well as a Special Election to fill vacancies in Places 1 and 2 for the unexpired terms ending in May 2027. Based on the official tabulation of election results, no candidate in the Place 5 or Place 7 (Mayor) contests received a majority of the votes cast. As required by state law and the City Charter, a runoff election will therefore be held between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes in each race. Because the Place 5 and Place 7 (Mayor) runoff contests are at-large positions, the runoff election will be conducted citywide. Staff have reviewed potential Election Day and Early Voting polling location configurations to support voter access while balancing operational feasibility and cost. Early Voting for the June 2026 Runoff Election will take place from Monday, June 1, through Saturday, June 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early Voting will also be available on Sunday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Monday, June 8, through Tuesday, June 9, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. DISCUSSION: Residents can vote at any early voting location throughout Denton County during the Early Voting period and are not restricted to voting at City of Denton polling locations. The Denton County Elections Administrator will provide the list of all Denton County polling locations once all participating jurisdictions are known. City of Denton residents will vote on Election Day, June 13, , according to their precinct and district. Staff reviewed turnout data from the May 2, General Election and identified seven polling locations that demonstrated the highest voter participation across all districts. These seven locations are proposed for use in the runoff election to provide broad geographic access for voters while maintaining operational efficiency. The following Early Voting and Election Day polling locations are for City Council consideration: Location Room Address District Denton County Elections Admin.* A100 701 Kimberly Dr. 1 Denton Civic Center Community Room 321 E. McKinney St. 1 North Branch Library Meeting Room 3020 N. Locust St. 2 Denia Recreation Center Room A 1001 Parvin St. 3 North Lakes Recreation Center Multi-purpose room A 2001 W. Windsor Dr. 3 Robson Ranch Clubhouse Medina Room 9428 Ed Robson Cir. 4 South Branch Library Program Room 3228 Teasley Ln. 4 * This is a DCE required Early Voting location provided at no cost May 8, 2026 Report No. 2026-029 Fiscal Considerations The proposed runoff election plan includes seven polling locations. Although seven sites will be made available to voters, Denton County will provide the Election Administration Office as an Early Voting location at no cost to the City, reducing the overall expense of the runoff. The remaining six locations will serve as both Early Voting and Election Day polling locations and will incur standard election costs. Because the City will not be cost‑sharing with any other jurisdictions for the runoff, total expenses will be higher than those for the general election. The proposed locations were evaluated based on the highest voter turnout trends observed during the May 2 General Election. Given this is a citywide runoff for at‑large positions, the recommended locations balance voter accessibility with prudent fiscal management. Based on the proposed use of six Early Voting locations and six Election Day locations, the total projected cost of administering the runoff election is estimated to range between $90,000 and $120,000. Early Voting sites are expected to cost approximately $12,000–$15,000 each. Election Day polling locations are estimated at $3,000–$5,000 per site. The City will not be cost sharing with any other jurisdictions for this runoff; as a result, overall costs are anticipated to be higher than those incurred for the general election. The FY 2025–26 Adopted Budget includes $187,000 for election services. Denton County has provided an estimated cost of $90,000 for administering the May 2 General Election. Based on this estimate, the City has approximately $97,000 remaining to support the forthcoming runoff election. Any variance between the remaining budget and actual runoff costs will be reconciled within the department’s existing budget. RECOMMENDATION: The proposed polling locations will be included in the ordinance canvassing the May 2 General and Special Election and calling of the June 13 Runoff Election on May 12. Staff recommend the adoption of the ordinance canvassing the election results and calling the runoff. STAFF CONTACT: Ingrid Rex, City Secretary (940) 349-8303 Ingrid.Rex@cityofdenton.com Kristi Fogle, Chief of Staff (940) 349-8565 Kristi.Fogle@cityofdenton.com