Proposition N: Runoff Elections – Removing Fair Ballot Practices?

Proposition N amends Section 7.06 of the Harker Heights Charter to replace references to "City Secretary" with "City Clerk" and remove the requirement for random ballot order determination. While it appears minor, these changes raise serious concerns about fairness and transparency in the election process.

Key Concerns:

• Fair Ballot Order at Risk: The amendment eliminates the rule requiring random drawing to determine ballot order for runoff elections. Random draws are essential for ensuring no candidate receives an unfair advantage through ballot placement, which can influence voter behavior.
• Questionable Terminology Changes: The shift from "City Secretary" to "City Clerk" seems like a superficial change. While it is presented as a move toward consistency, it also coincides with removing the fair practice of random ballot order—raising concerns about hidden motives.
• Automatic Victory Without a Vote: The amendment retains the provision that if one runoff candidate withdraws, the other is automatically declared the winner without an election. While practical, this approach limits voter participation and could erode trust in the democratic process.

Why Vote NO on Proposition N:

• Preserve Transparency and Fairness with Random Drawings: Ballot order matters—candidates listed first often gain a psychological advantage with voters. The removal of random draws undermines the fairness of the election process.
• Promote Voter Participation: Elections, even runoffs, are crucial moments for public engagement. Canceling a runoff without voter input, even when only one candidate remains, denies the public their say in the process.

Conclusion: Vote NO on Proposition N

Proposition N undermines the fairness and transparency of runoff elections by removing the random drawing requirement for ballot order and making confusing, unnecessary terminology changes. Voting NO ensures that the integrity of the election process is preserved, with all candidates having an equal chance through random ballot order and residents maintaining familiar terminology.

For more information, visit the official Harker Heights Election Page.