San Antonio, October 19, 2025
News Summary
Early voting kicks off in Bexar County on October 20, allowing residents to participate in crucial local propositions including funding for venue renovations. Voters will decide on Propositions A and B, proposing significant investments for local sports facilities. The early voting period lasts until October 31, with a mail-in ballot application deadline of October 24. Additional measures statewide will also be on the ballot, with anticipated high turnout and long lines expected during this election period.
San Antonio
Early voting kicks off on Monday, October 20 in Bexar County, where voters will decide on major local projects and numerous statewide measures. The ballot includes high-dollar local measures tied to venue taxes and a slate of statewide propositions. Voting rules and procedures are in place to manage turnout and ensure orderly polling locations.
What’s at stake and key voting dates
Voters in Bexar County will see two significant local measures identified as Proposition A and Proposition B. Proposition A proposes allocating $192 million from hotel and rental car tax funds for renovations and expansions at Frost Bank Center, Freeman Coliseum, and rodeo grounds. Proposition B seeks over $300 million for a new downtown arena for the Spurs. Both measures are tied to local venue tax revenue and would change the county’s venue tax rate.
The early voting period runs from October 20 to October 31, with October 24 is the last day to apply for a mail-in ballot. Long lines are anticipated because there are many items on the ballot; Long lines are expected due to the 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot and statewide measures. In addition to local propositions, Texas voters face 17 statewide propositions on the November ballot.
Voting rules and polling procedures
Voter regulations restrict certain clothing and materials near polling places. Specifically, Voter regulations prohibit wearing Spurs or stock show and rodeo fairgrounds logos within 100 feet of polling locations. On the procedure inside polling places, Election law prohibits wearing anything considered electioneering inside polling booths, and the decision on what constitutes electioneering is at the discretion of election judges. Voters must bring identification and proof of registration: A valid ID and voter registration are required to vote.
Election administrators expect higher turnout and have planned operational adjustments. Extra check-in stations will be available at early voting sites to streamline processing. In the two weeks leading up to early voting, Approximately 72,000 voter applications were processed in the two weeks leading up to early voting. Out of the 72,000 applications, 65,000 were received through the Texas Department of Public Safety and 7,000 via USPS Mail. Election officials emphasize participation and adherence to procedures to keep lines moving and polling places orderly.
Local tax details and project funding
Funding for the local venue projects is tied to Bexar County’s venue tax. Bexar County’s venue tax is derived from a 1.75% tax on hotel rooms and a 5% tax on car rentals, with Propositions A and B proposing an increase to 2%. If approved, the allocations would fund renovation and expansion projects and a new arena, each with separate funding requests and budgetary impacts outlined on the ballot summary materials.
Other local ballot items
Several school districts are also asking voters to approve taxes or bonds. North East Independent School District is asking voters for a $495 million bond for infrastructure and technological needs. East Central Independent School District is requesting a 5-cent property tax increase to address a $4.6 million budget deficit. Judson Independent School District seeks a 4.5-cent tax increase to alleviate a $37 million budget deficit. These local measures are separate from the venue tax propositions and statewide ballot items.
Administration and turnout
Officials have prepared staffing and materials in anticipation of heavier traffic at polling locations. Extra check-in stations and staffing adjustments are intended to reduce delays. Voters are encouraged to confirm registration status and bring the required ID to avoid issues at check-in.
Summary of essential facts
- Early voting starts: Early voting kicks off on Monday, October 20.
- Early voting period: The early voting period runs from October 20 to October 31.
- Mail-in ballot deadline: October 24 is the last day to apply for a mail-in ballot.
- Local propositions: Proposition A proposes allocating $192 million from hotel and rental car tax funds for renovations and expansions at Frost Bank Center, Freeman Coliseum, and rodeo grounds; Proposition B seeks over $300 million for a new downtown arena for the Spurs.
- Venue tax: Bexar County’s venue tax is derived from a 1.75% tax on hotel rooms and a 5% tax on car rentals, with Propositions A and B proposing an increase to 2%.
- Ballot size: Long lines are expected due to the 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot and Texas voters face 17 statewide propositions on the November ballot.
- Voting procedure: Voter regulations prohibit wearing Spurs or stock show and rodeo fairgrounds logos within 100 feet of polling locations; Election law prohibits wearing anything considered electioneering inside polling booths; The decision on what constitutes electioneering is at the discretion of election judges.
- Identification and registration: A valid ID and voter registration are required to vote.
- Applications processed: Approximately 72,000 voter applications were processed in the two weeks leading up to early voting with Out of the 72,000 applications, 65,000 were received through the Texas Department of Public Safety and 7,000 via USPS Mail.
Key Features Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Early voting start | Early voting kicks off on Monday, October 20 |
| Early voting period | The early voting period runs from October 20 to October 31 |
| Mail-in ballot deadline | October 24 is the last day to apply for a mail-in ballot |
| Proposition A | Proposition A proposes allocating $192 million from hotel and rental car tax funds for renovations and expansions at Frost Bank Center, Freeman Coliseum, and rodeo grounds |
| Proposition B | Proposition B seeks over $300 million for a new downtown arena for the Spurs |
| Venue tax | Bexar County’s venue tax is derived from a 1.75% tax on hotel rooms and a 5% tax on car rentals, with Propositions A and B proposing an increase to 2% |
| Applications processed | Approximately 72,000 voter applications were processed in the two weeks leading up to early voting |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 20 | Early voting kicks off on Monday, October 20 | Active — Bexar County election schedule |
| October 24 | October 24 is the last day to apply for a mail-in ballot | Deadline — Election administration notice |
| October 31 | The early voting period runs from October 20 to October 31 | Active — Bexar County election schedule |
| Two weeks leading up to Oct. 20 | Approximately 72,000 voter applications were processed in the two weeks leading up to early voting | Completed — Election processing records |
Simple Visual Charts
Voter application sources (out of 72,000)
Current venue tax rates vs proposed (visual comparison)
FAQ
When does early voting start?
Early voting kicks off on Monday, October 20.
What are the early voting dates?
The early voting period runs from October 20 to October 31.
When is the last day to apply for a mail-in ballot?
October 24 is the last day to apply for a mail-in ballot.
What does Proposition A propose?
Proposition A proposes allocating $192 million from hotel and rental car tax funds for renovations and expansions at Frost Bank Center, Freeman Coliseum, and rodeo grounds.
What does Proposition B propose?
Proposition B seeks over $300 million for a new downtown arena for the Spurs.
What voter regulations apply to clothing near polling places?
Voter regulations prohibit wearing Spurs or stock show and rodeo fairgrounds logos within 100 feet of polling locations.
What does election law say about electioneering inside polling locations?
Election law prohibits wearing anything considered electioneering inside polling booths.
Who decides what constitutes electioneering?
The decision on what constitutes electioneering is at the discretion of election judges.
What identification is required to vote?
A valid ID and voter registration are required to vote.
How many voter applications were processed recently?
Approximately 72,000 voter applications were processed in the two weeks leading up to early voting.
How were the 72,000 voter applications received?
Out of the 72,000 applications, 65,000 were received through the Texas Department of Public Safety and 7,000 via USPS Mail.
What is the source and proposed change to Bexar County’s venue tax?
Bexar County’s venue tax is derived from a 1.75% tax on hotel rooms and a 5% tax on car rentals, with Propositions A and B proposing an increase to 2%.
Why are long lines expected at polling locations?
Long lines are expected due to the 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot.
Are there statewide propositions voters should know about?
Texas voters face 17 statewide propositions on the November ballot.
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Additional Resources
- Community Impact: Early Voting in Northeast San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Bexar County, Texas Elections
- San Antonio Current: Bexar County Elections Department Accusations
- Google Search: Bexar County Elections
- KENS 5: Bexar County Voter Registration Backlog
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Elections 2025
- News 4 San Antonio: Voter Applications Backlog Processed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bexar County Elections
- San Antonio Current: Voter Registration Backlog Cleared
- Google News: San Antonio Voting 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.
