News Summary
San Antonio is witnessing its lowest early voter turnout for a mayoral election since 2013, with just 5.89% of registered voters participating. The Bexar County Elections Department noted that only 74,092 ballots were cast during the early voting period. With a competitive race featuring 27 candidates, experts suggest that low turnout may favor those with strong name recognition, while simultaneous events like the Fiesta might distract voters. Polling places will be open on election day, presenting a crucial opportunity for civic engagement in San Antonio.
San Antonio is experiencing its lowest early voter turnout for a mayoral election since 2013, with only 5.89% of registered voters participating in the early voting period. This figure is significantly lower than the turnout of nearly 10.1% recorded during the early voting phase for the 2023 election, which saw almost 107,000 voters cast their ballots.
The Bexar County Elections Department reported that a total of 74,092 ballots were cast between April 22 and April 29 across more than 40 early voting locations. Notably, the final day of early voting accounted for 20,631 voters, which represents nearly 30% of the total early votes cast. This year, nearly 1.26 million residents are registered to vote in Bexar County.
With the election set for May 3, the competitive race to succeed outgoing Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who will leave office in June, features a record 27 candidates. Political observers have noted that the low early voter turnout could favor those candidates with strong name recognition amidst a crowded field. Feedback from a recent poll conducted from April 7 to 9 indicated that 15% of respondents were not familiar with any mayoral candidates, while 30% had not decided whom they would support.
Voter engagement may also be impacted by external events occurring simultaneously with the election. The Fiesta—an annual local celebration—will coincide with the election, and many events associated with it could divert attention away from political campaigning and voter turnout. In addition, a considerable increase in Bexar County’s voter rolls, which have risen by approximately 204,000 since the last election, means that many new voters may require additional outreach and information regarding the election process and candidates.
Political science experts have suggested that a candidate’s placement on the ballot could also play a role in the election outcome, with those whose names appear at the top likely enjoying a slight advantage. As the election approaches, candidates are urged to engage with voters effectively to overcome challenges that may deter participation.
Polling places will be open on election day, May 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing registered voters with an opportunity to have their voices heard in this vital local election. The low early turnout figures present a challenge not only for candidates but also for the future of civic engagement in San Antonio.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Netflix Co-Founder Invests in San Antonio Political Campaigns
San Antonio’s Fiesta Controversy Ignites Debate
Pullman Market Marks One-Year Anniversary in San Antonio
Mark Carney Aims for Victory in Upcoming Canadian Election
San Antonio Unveils Controversial ‘Fiesta is Racist’ Medal
San Antonio Prepares for Mayoral Election on May 3
San Antonio Prepares for Mayoral Election with 27 Candidates
San Antonio Prepares for Early Voting Starting April 22
Close Call in Oakland Mayoral Race as Voters Seek Change
San Antonio’s Mayor Race Intensifies with Innovative Raffle
Additional Resources
- KENS 5
- Wikipedia: San Antonio mayoral election
- KSAT News
- Google Search: San Antonio mayor’s race 2025
- San Antonio Current
- Google Scholar: San Antonio mayoral election issues
- San Antonio Express-News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio elections
- KSAT News
- Google News: San Antonio mayoral race 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
