Governor Abbott Orders Expedited Special Election For Texas State Senate District 6
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, the resignation of Senator Sylvia R. Garcia, and its acceptance, has caused a vacancy to exist in Texas State Senate District 6, which is wholly contained within Harris County; and
WHEREAS, Article III, Section 13 of the Texas Constitution and Section 203.002 of the Texas Election Code require that a special election be ordered upon such a vacancy, and Section 3.003 of the Texas Election Code requires the special election to be ordered by proclamation of the Governor; and
WHEREAS, the vacancy occurred on November 9, 2018, and, therefore, pursuant to Section 203.013(a) the vacancy occurred during the 60 days immediately prior to the date of convening the 86th Regular Legislative Session; and
WHEREAS, Section 203.013(c) of the Texas Election Code provides that an expedited special election must be held on a Tuesday or Saturday occurring not earlier than the 21st day or later than the 45th day after the date the election is ordered;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of Texas, under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Texas, do hereby order a special election to be held in Texas State Senate District No. 6 on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, for the purpose of electing a state senator to serve out the unexpired term of Senator Sylvia
R. Garcia.
Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of State no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 16, 2018. Early voting by personal appearance shall begin on Monday, November 26, 2018, in accordance with Sections 85.001(a) and (c) of the Texas Election Code.
A copy of this order shall be mailed immediately to the County Judge of the county contained within Texas State Senate District No. 6, and all appropriate writs shall be issued and all proper proceedings shall be followed to the end that said special election may be held to fill the vacancy in Texas State Senate District No. 6 and its result proclaimed in accordance with law.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 9th day of November, 2018.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor