What happens when only one candidate is running for a particular position – essentially creating an uncontested race? Will their names still be on the ballot?
Under Texas law, unopposed candidates for county, district and statewide offices must still appear on the ballot to be elected.
That change took effect in 2023 under Senate Bill 1089, which repealed a provision allowing certain unopposed state and county candidates to be declared elected without appearing on the ballot.
“Excluding the uncontested candidate from the ballot can be seen as a violation of the democratic principles of transparency, fairness, and inclusivity,” an analysis of the bill states.
However, the unopposed candidates must receive at least one vote to be elected into office, according to SB 1089.
The rules are different for cities, school districts and other local political subdivisions.
When every candidate for an office is unopposed and the statutory requirements are met, the governing body may declare the candidates elected and cancel the election for those offices. An election generally cannot be canceled if an opposed at-large race is also on that ballot.
Voters are not required to cast a vote for unopposed candidates on the ballot.
VOTER GUIDE: Here’s everything you need to know about the Nov. 3 elections
The races below are uncontested and, where applicable, will be included on Nov. 3 general election ballots in El Paso. Early voting is Oct. 19-30.
EL PASO COUNTY
County Clerk: Delia Briones (Democrat)
District Clerk: Norma Favela Barceleau (Democrat)
STATE REPRESENTATIVES
District 75: Mary Gonzalez (Democrat)
District 78: Joe Moody (Democrat)
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Fabens ISD
Place 1: Angel Ornelas
Place 2: Benjamin Moralez
Place 4: Julieta Sepulveda Ramirez
Tornillo ISD
DISTRICT COURTS
327th District Court: Monique Velarde Reyes
243rd District Court: Selena Solis
210th District Court: Alyssa G. Perez
205th District Court: Francisco X. Dominguez
171st District Court: Amanda Enriquez
COUNTY COURTS AT LAW
County Court at Law 1: Ruth Reyes
County Court at Law 2: Frances M. Maldonado
County Court at Law 3: Melissa A. Baeza
County Court at Law 4: Eunice Reyes
County Court at Law 5: Jesus Rodriguez
County Court at Law 6: Sue Kurita
County Court at Law 7: Ruben Morales
COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTS
County Criminal Court 1: Linda S. Perez
County Criminal Court 2: Robert S. Anchondo
COUNTY PROBATE COURTS
County Probate No. 2: Gabriella M. Reed
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
Precinct 1: Denise Butterworth
Precinct 2: Christie Saiz
Precinct 3: Josh Herrera
Precinct 4: Rebeca Bustamante
Precinct 5: Dora Oaxaca
Precinct 6, Place 1: Ruben Lujan
Precinct 6, Place 2: Enedina “Nina” Serna
Precinct 7: Humberto “Beto” Enriquez
Contested races in El Paso include four City Council representative seats, two county commissioner seats, the county judge seat, two judicial races and three state representative races.
Two congressional seats and a Texas U.S. Senate seat are also on the ballot, as are the governor’s seat and the attorney general’s position, among others. Several school districts are holding trustee elections, while two school tax ratification elections will also be on the ballot for voters within those boundaries.
Related