By Edmond Ortiz
The Nov. 4 election will offer a last opportunity for Bexar County voters to weigh in on two funding measures that could, if approved, support construction of a new San Antonio Spurs arena, and project impacting the Freeman Coliseum/Frost Bank Center complex.
What you should know
Election Day polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. when voters will consider Proposition A, which calls for expansion, upgrades and other forms of redevelopment that would transform the Spurs’ current home arena, Frost Bank Center, and neighboring Freeman Coliseum facilities into a permanent stock show and rodeo district.
Voters will also address Proposition B, which would back development of a new Spurs arena at Hemisfair, where the NBA franchise and city leaders envision a new sports and entertainment district.
Each proposal, if approved, would authorize increasing the county’s hotel occupancy and vehicle rental taxes as primary means of funding either the Spurs arena or rodeo district.
Both proposals, mainly Proposition B, have proven polarizing for much of the local electorate – so much so that polling reflected the effectiveness of organized opposition campaigns.
Additionally, voters in this election cycle are considering proposed amendments to the state constitution.
Some San Antonio-area voters will also mull the North East Independent School District’s $495 million single-proposal bond, proposed property tax hikes in four local school districts, and mayoral, City Council and school board races in four suburbs and one regional school district.
Approximately, 143,499 registered Bexar County voters took part in early voting between Oct. 20 and Oct. 31, representing 11% of the county’s voter roll.
Guadalupe County recorded 11,338 voters taking advantage of early voting, representing 10% of the county’s voter roll.
Kendall County officials said 4,983 voters, or 12% of county voters, participated in early voting.
What’s next
Election Day voting will be available from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the following Bexar County polling sites.
VIA Metropolitan Transit is offering fare-free service on Election Day to anyone wishing to cast a ballot at a polling place.
According to a press release, the free fares are available for regular bus service, VIA Link and VIAtrans paratransit service throughout the VIA service area.
All a customer must do is present a valid Bexar County voter registration card to the VIA operator upon boarding in order to get a free fare.
VIA officials said the aim here is to foster civic engagement and participation among VIA customers, and to provide transportation for voters who may not otherwise be able to reach and leave their polling locations.
Voters seeking more information on Props A and B and other ballot items are encouraged to consult with a voters’ guide released by the League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area.
