What to know about the May 2 election in Dallas-Fort Worth
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
North Texans are voting on DART's future, bonds for schools and local leadership in the latest election.
Why it matters: The election results could have far-reaching consequences for transportation and education in North Texas.
Driving the news: Early voting began this week for the municipal elections and will continue through Tuesday. Election day is May 2.
DART elections
The big picture: Residents in Highland Park, University Park and Addison are deciding whether their cities should keep their DART membership or withdraw from the agency.
- The cities pay DART millions of dollars each year, but are now deciding if it's a worthwhile expense for their residents.
- Plano, Irving and Farmers Branch were also considering cutting ties with DART, but canceled those elections after the transit agency agreed to boost board representation from smaller cities and give them a portion of sales tax revenue that funds the agency.
School bonds
Zoom in: Dallas ISD is asking voters to approve a $6.2 billion bond package that includes funding for 26 new schools, renovations, safety upgrades and pool repairs.
- If approved, the package would be the largest school bond in the state's history. The district estimates the package would increase property taxes by $33 per year for the average Dallas ISD home valued at $525,000.
Zoom out: Arlington ISD is asking voters to approve a $501 million bond package for two new schools, buses, synthetic turf and new tech devices for students and staff. The package would also increase property taxes by 1 cent, equating to $18 per year for homes valued around $300,000.
- Birdville ISD wants to renovate buildings and update its security with a $475.5 million bond package and says it would not increase taxes.
- Also on the ballot: school board and city council positions in multiple jurisdictions.
When you go: Check your county's website to find your polling location, timing and sample ballot: Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant.
- Don't forget your ID to vote.
What's next: The highly contentious Republican runoff for U.S. Senate is May 26. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging Sen. John Cornyn.