Act Now to Save Austin's Direct Democracy

Direct democracy in Austin is under threat, and we need your help to protect it!

The City of Austin Charter Commission, appointed by the City Council, is pushing forward on a proposal to raise signature requirements on voter-initiated ordinances and council recalls. If this move goes forward, and voters approve it in November, it would essentially end our already limited rights of direct democracy in Austin. 

The voter-initiated ordinance process has been crucial in shaping our city's policies, from dismantling racist agreements to securing passage of the Save Our Springs ordinance in 1992.  No city council would ever pass such an ordinance -- because of the undue influence of developer money on City Hall.  

It currently takes 20,000 signatures of qualified voters to place a measure on the ballot.  This is not an easy task.  There have been few citizen initiated ordinances to earn a place on the ballot -- and fewer still that have won voter approval.  Don't buy the lie that "its too easy" to secure 20,000 valid voter signatures; its not.  

The Charter Commission is also considering a recommendation to raise the signature requirements on petitions to recall city council members.   Our charter currently requires 10% of qualified voters in a given council district.  This is also no easy task.  Consider there has been no successful recall petition in Austin in recent memory.   Council Members seeking to evade accountability are pushing for these changes.  Although rare, a meaningful right to petition for a recall is an important right that should not be rendered meaningless by raising the signature requirement from its current, high bar.    

These proposals lack practical merit and undermine the democratic process. Key reforms like the Save Our Springs Initiative and the adoption of the 10-1 Geographic Representation began as grassroots efforts, leading to transformative impacts on city policies. It's a blatant attempt by those in power--and their monied backers-- to eliminate the small bit of sharing power with the people that our current charter provides.   

Together, we can ensure that the voices of Austin residents are heard and respected. Please, click below to email the City of Austin Charter Commission and urge them to vote against the proposed increase in signature requirements and to preserve Austin's direct democracy.

EMAIL CHARTER COMMISSION HERE

If you're able to make a donation to SOS, you'll support our ongoing efforts to defend water quality and uphold our shared democracy in Austin.

DONATE TO SOS

​Thank you for being an integral part of our community and for demonstrating your support when it truly matters. Let's remain united in our efforts to fight for what's right, together!

SOS Alliance