Mineral Wells council cancels May 3 election after candidates run unopposed

The Mineral Wells City Council voted 4-0 to certify that candidates for the May 3, 2025, city council election were unopposed and to adopt an ordinance canceling the election, the city secretary said.

Sharon, the city secretary, told the council she had three documents required under Texas law: Secretary of State form 13-1 certifying candidates are unopposed, the city ordinance declaring unopposed candidates selected to office, and Secretary of State form 13-2, an order of cancellation that the Palo Pinto County Elections Administrator requested. Sharon said all three forms will be posted at the election site in May; the day in May was not specified.

Under the Texas Election Code, municipalities may cancel a local election when all candidates for an office are unopposed by adopting an ordinance or order that declares the unopposed candidates elected. Sharon presented the three documents together and the council approved them in a single motion.

The council first approved a consent agenda earlier in the meeting by voice vote. No members of the public had signed up for public comment, the city secretary said. After the motion to certify the unopposed candidates and cancel the election was moved and seconded, the council voted 4-0 to approve the ordinance and related forms; the meeting then concluded with no items added to future agendas.

Action taken: certification of unopposed candidates, adoption of ordinance declaring unopposed candidates selected to office, and cancellation of the May 3, 2025, city council election. The city secretary stated the required Secretary of State forms and the county-requested order of cancellation will be posted at the election site in May (posting date not specified).