After months of spirited debate, the fate of San Antonio’s Project Marvel is now in the hands of Bexar County voters. Early voting takes place October 20-31 ahead of a consequential November 4 election that could reshape downtown.

Both of the two Bexar County venue tax proposals have far-reaching ramifications for San Antonio’s future economic growth.

Props A and B
Proposition B has been getting the most attention from the equally fervent supporters and opponents of a new Spurs arena. If approved, it could be the centerpiece of Project Marvel, the ambitious sports and entertainment district Spurs and city officials envision for downtown.

According to local officials, voting “yes” on Prop B would allow the county to shift more than $300 million in revenues generated by the county’s hotel occupancy and car rental taxes – both collectively called a venue tax – toward helping the Spurs to finance a new arena. So far, the estimated price tag for a new area runs $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion.

Officials with the Spurs, city, and county say that, in addition to the venue tax increase, money for a new arena would come from the Spurs franchise ($500 million), a project financing zone, and a tax increment reinvestment zone.

The latter two financing tools would affect only properties within those defined zones. The Spurs also promise to pay for any construction cost overruns; additionally, the team has pledged $75 million in community benefits.

Backers of Proposition B say a Spurs arena can secure a long-term home for the five-time NBA champion, and help to stimulate economic growth around the Hemisfair area, where Project Marvel is eyed for development. Team leaders say new development around a new downtown arena could be worth more than $1.4 billion.

The other ballot item, Proposition A, would allow Bexar County to use revenues from the same venue tax to create an East Side coliseum complex. That is where the Frost Bank Center — the Spurs’ current home — and the nearby Freeman Coliseum and other facilities could be renovated to support the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo and other events year-round.

Peter J. Holt, the Spurs’ managing partner, said the election is not just about building a new arena, but about building San Antonio’s future.

“It’s about pride in who we are as a city and belief in what San Antonio can become. By harnessing tourist dollars and private investment, this plan will deliver a new downtown arena while expanding and upgrading the Frost Bank Center and Freeman Coliseum with no new taxes for local residents,” Holt said in a statement.

Opponents have railed against both propositions, especially Prop B, saying infrastructure, housing, jobs, education, and health are all greater priorities. San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has been very vocal on the issue, earlier calling for a pause on further movement pending an independent economic impact study.

Among those campaigning against the propositions, there is further doubt that the economic boosts promised by the projects will actually come to fruition.

“We’ve heard these threats, lofty economic promises, and pleading for public support before; namely, for the Alamodome, when we were promised that we would have an NFL team if we just foot the tax bill to build it,” wrote former COPS/ Metro presidents Sonia Rodriguez and Beatrice Cortez in a San Antonio Current editorial. “Well, we’re still waiting.”

The rest of the ballot
In addition to San Antonio’s two controversial propositions, several area school districts have funding bonds on the ballot, and the communities of Converse, Sandy Oak, Schertz, and Windcrest are holding municipal elections.

There are also 17 Texas State constitutional amendments being proposed. Most are related to taxation, but there are a couple of cultural issues up for vote, including enshrining parental rights and further clarifying that non-citizens are not allowed to vote.

A Bexar County sample ballot is available here.

How to vote
Registered Bexar County voters may cast a ballot at any polling site during the following hours:

Monday, Oct. 20 – Friday, October 24: 8 am-6 pmSaturday, October 25: 7 am-7 pmSunday, October 26: noon-6 pmMonday, October 27 – Friday, October 31: 7 am-7 pm

The polling locations found here will be open from 7 am-7 pm on Election Day.

Although there are some supporting documents that can be presented in certain cases, a valid ID is required for most voting. The Texas Secretary of State says the following are acceptable forms of ID

Texas Driver’s License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPSTexas Personal Identification Card issued by DPSTexas Handgun License issued by DPSUnited States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph