The filing period for candidates interested in serving on their local City Council or School Board of Trustees for the May 3, 2025 General Election is currently open but will close promptly on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 5:00 pm.
This is a crucial opportunity for residents who want to make a real difference in their communities. Each year, local elections shape the policies, priorities, and progress of our cities and schools. If you’ve ever been frustrated by leadership decisions or wondered why things aren’t getting done, this is your chance to step up, serve, and lead.
Cities with Open Seats & Candidate Packets
The following cities and school districts have open seats and provide candidate packets online:
City Council Elections
City of Rockwall – Mayor & Places 1, 3, and 5
📌 Candidate Packet: www.rockwall.com/citysec.asp
City of Heath – Places 2, 4, and 6
📌 Candidate Packet: https://www.heathtx.com/living-in-heath/heath-votes
City of McLendon-Chisholm – Places 1, 3, and 5
📌 Candidate Packet: https://mclendon-chisholm.com/election-information
City of Fate – Mayor, Places 4 and 6
📌 Candidate Packet: https://www.fatetx.gov/435/Elections
City of Royse City – Mayor, Places 1, 3, and 5
📌 Candidate Packet: https://www.roysecity.com/248/Elections
City of Rowlett – Mayor, Places 2, 4, and 6
📌 Candidate Packet: https://www.rowletttx.gov/1426/May-3-2025-General-and-Special-Elections
School Board Elections
Rockwall ISD – Places 4 and 5
📌 Candidate Packet: https://www.rockwallisd.com/about-us/board-of-trustees/elections
Royse City ISD – Places 6 and 7
📌 Candidate Packet: https://www.rcisd.org/o/rcisd/page/election-results-information
Voter Registration & Election Information
Residents who wish to participate in the May 3 election must be registered to vote. Voter registration can be completed through the Rockwall County Elections Administrator’s Office by calling (972) 204-6200 or visiting www.rockwallvotes.com.
Why This Matters—And Why You Should Run
For the past decade, we’ve seen heated local elections with candidates campaigning aggressively, but not always for the right reasons. If we’ve learned anything, it’s that vetting candidates is essential. Far too often, we see people backed by factions that want to control votes rather than serve the community.
One of the biggest issues facing Rockwall County is growth mismanagement. Some cities lower property taxes but fail to maintain roads. Others reject development agreements but still ask developers for road fixes. And in some cases, City Council members meet privately without City staff present, sidestepping transparency and accountability. This must change.
What to Look for in a Candidate
✔ Commitment to Learning – A good candidate should attend Texas Municipal League (TML) conferences to understand city governance laws. Read the agenda packet and prepare for meetings.
✔ Transparency & Accountability – They should support and work with city staff, engage residents through town halls and participate in budget workshops.
✔ Fiscal Responsibility – Candidates should prioritize essential services over pet projects, ensuring tax dollars are wisely spent.
✔ Honesty & Integrity – Refusal to lie or deceive in any way. Do the right thing even when no one is looking.
✔ Dedication to Serving the Community – Listen to citizens, encourage voter participation, and respect the process.
Encourage Quality Candidates to Run
If you know someone with integrity, leadership skills, and a passion for serving, please encourage them to file. Campaigning is not easy, and financial support will likely come from personal funds or donations—not from political parties.
Best wishes to those stepping into the ring. This is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to serve their community with honor and dedication.
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