What to Know for Election Day, May 2

The upcoming municipal and school board elections in Marlin are set for Saturday, May 2. With early voting currently underway and concluding on April 28, residents are deciding on a variety of leadership roles and a substantial overhaul of the city’s foundational governing documents.

The City Council races are focused on even-numbered precincts this cycle. In Precinct 2, Morris Watson Jr. is seeking the seat, while Scottie Henderson is running for Precinct 4. The race for Precinct 6 features Joe Mark Taylor. The Marlin Independent School District Board of Trustees has several competitive races that will shape the future of local education. There are two at-large seats up for grabs with a three-way race between Rosalyn Dimerson, Sonia Ponce, and Byrleen Terry. Additionally, Place 1 sees a contest between Billy Johnson and Debra Levels-McDavid, while Place 2 features Misty Ehlers and Jacqueline D. Sanders.

Perhaps the most complex aspect of this election is the inclusion of 18 proposed city charter amendments, labeled Propositions A through R. These propositions represent a major effort to modernize Marlin’s legal framework. The Cit of Marlin’s charter, written in 1977, has not been updated to reflect current laws or city ordinance.

They cover a wide range of administrative changes, including the formal creation of an “Executive Team,” stricter rules for the forfeiture of office, and new requirements for the city manager position. Other amendments focus on term limits and mandatory training for city officials to ensure higher standards of local governance.

See all the propositions below, which residents vote for or against:

Proposition A: Shall the Marlin City Charter be amended to include a Preamble?

Proposition B: Shall Section 1.05 of the Marlin City Charter be amended to be divided into Sections 1.05 and 1.06 and provide clarity to the public regarding the authority of the City using the language below?

Proposition C: Shall Section 2.01(2) and 2.01(4) of the Marlin City Charter be amended to change the term limits for all City Council members, including the Mayor, to six consecutive years and three consecutive terms?

Proposition D: Shall Section 2.01(4) of the Marlin City Charter be amended to provide that the term limitations do not apply if council members transition to being Mayor?

Proposition E: Shall Section 2.06(a) of the Marlin City Charter be amended to provide that determination of mental or physical disability of a councilmember may be made after certification of two licensed professionals qualified to make such determinations under the laws of the State of Texas instead of requiring two physicians qualified to practice medicine?

Proposition F: Shall Section 2.06(b) and Section 2.10 of the Marlin City Charter be amended to compile all forfeiture rules in Section 2.06(b) and expand those rules as provided in the language below?

Proposition G: Shall Section 2.06(c) of the Marlin City Charter be amended to provide that different rules for filling vacancies depending on if they are over or under 12 months as authorized by Article XI, Section 11 of the Texas Constitution?

Proposition H: Shall Section 2.10 of the Marlin City Charter be amended to require both initial training and continued education for all members of City Council?

Proposition I: Shall Section 2.10 of the Marlin City Charter be amended to create an Executive Team and identify procedures related to that team?

Proposition J: Shall Section 2.10 of the Marlin City Charter be amended to establish rules of conduct for City Council members and consequences for violations of those rules?

Proposition K: Shall Article II of the Marlin City Charter be amended to provide procedures to require that newly elected members of City Council must be sworn in as the first item of business at the next City Council meeting?

Proposition L: Shall Article II of the Marlin City Charter be amended to authorize the City Council to investigate City affairs and take other actions as may be necessary for any investigations, such as administering oaths, compelling witness attendance and subpoenaing documents?

Proposition M: Shall Article II of the Marlin City Charter be amended to provide that issues regarding the interpretation or application of the Marlin City Charter should be submitted to City Council?

Proposition N: Shall Section 3.01 of the Marlin City Charter be amended to provide rules governing the position of City Manager?

Proposition O: Shall Section 7.07 of the Marlin City Charter be amended to provide that emergency appropriations of funds to meet a pressing need for public expenditures should be passed not by an affirmative vote of five council members but by a majority vote of councilmembers present and voting?

Proposition P: Shall Section 9.08 of the Marlin City Charter be amended to provide that a Board of Equalization member requirements be changed to require a minimum of five (5) members and a maximum of seven (7) members?

Proposition Q: Shall Section 11.03 of the Marlin City Charter be amended to provide rules for when and how the City Charter will be reviewed and amended?

Proposition R: Shall Section 11.05 of the Marlin City Charter be amended to provide greater clarity as to the types of amendments the City Council can make to the City Charter and clarify that those changes may not have a legal effect on the Charter provisions?