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1. When is the next municipal election?

The City of Kennedale contracts with Tarrant County for election services. General Elections are generally the first Saturday of each May. Registered Kennedale voters can vote at the Kennedale Community Center (in the Library) at 316 W 3rd Street, Kennedale TX, 76060. Check your current voter registration status here.

In even years, the offices of Mayor and City Council Places 2 and 4 are up for election; and in odd years, City Council Places 1, 3, and 5 appear on the ballot. Those elected by a majority vote (more than 50%) are sworn into office for two-year terms. If no single candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a run-off election will be held for that place. There are no term limits, and there is no cost to file for a place on the ballot. If you’re interested in running in an upcoming election, you can get more information at www.cityofkennedale.com/election.

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2. What are the qualifications for City Council?

Kennedale Home Rule Charter §4.04

(a) Each member of the City Council, including the Mayor, shall meet the following qualifications: 

1. Be a registered voter of the City;
2. Have resided in the City for one (1) year before the date of the election;
3. Continue residency in the City during the term of office;
4. Not hold more than one public elective office;
5. Not hold an appointed office of the City excluding boards, committees, and commissions;
6. 6. Be at least 21 years of age;
7. Not have been determined mentally incompetent by a final judgment of a court; and 
8. Not have been finally convicted of a felony from which the person has not been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities.

(b) No candidate may file for more than one office or position number per election.

View the Local Qualifications Form

3. How long are Councilmembers' terms of office?

Kennedale Home Rule Charter §4.01

Section 4.01 - City Council Places and Terms

(a) The City Council shall be divided into the Mayor and places 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Each position shall be filled by a qualified citizen from the City at large by a majority vote cast by qualified voters. 

(b) Each place shall be for a two year term. The Mayor and Council members for places 2 and 4 shall be elected in even numbered years. Council members for places 1, 3, and 5 shall be elected in odd numbered years.

NOTE: There are no term limits defined.

4. What are the time commitments of being a Councilmember?

The City Council holds regular meetings at City Hall (405 Municipal Drive) on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. (with the Work Session at 5:30 p.m.). Special meetings are scheduled as needed. Agenda packets are emailed at least 72 hours prior to each meeting. Councilmembers receive $1.00 for each meeting attended. A Councilmember shall forfeit office if the member fails to attend 3 (three) consecutive meetings without valid excuse or fails to maintain an 80% attendance record. (Kennedale Home Rule Charter §3.06)

View City Council Calendar

5. What are the duties and powers of a Councilmember?

The Charter (§3.04) states that  all powers of the City shall be vested in the City Council. The City Council shall exercise these powers to ensure the performance of all duties and obligations imposed on the City by law and by this Charter. Specifically, the City Council is provided with, but not limited to, the following powers:

(a) To enact municipal legislation.
(b) To appoint or elect and to remove, after a hearing, all persons appointed or elected by the City Council.
(c) To establish the compensation for all City officers.
(d) To create, change, or abolish all offices, departments, and agencies of the City government other than those offices and agencies created by this Charter; and to assign additional duties and powers consistent with this Charter to officers, departments, and agencies created by this Charter.
(e) To establish operating policy.
(f) To establish the boundaries of the City.

6. What are the duties and powers of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem?

The Charter (§3.03) states that the Mayor shall preside at City Council meetings, and shall be recognized as head of the City government. The Mayor shall have the right to vote only in the event of a tie. The Mayor shall also have veto power. The City Council shall elect one of its members Mayor Pro Tem. The Mayor Pro Tem shall act as Mayor in the absence of the Mayor and shall have the same duties and power as the Mayor except veto power. The Mayor Pro Tem shall retain the right to vote as a Council member.

The Mayor may exercise veto power over a Council action within five (5) working days of that action. The Mayor shall give written notice of a veto to the City Secretary. Upon proper notice, Council action to consider overriding a veto shall be an agenda item at the next scheduled Council meeting. The decision of the Council to override a veto is not subject to veto by the Mayor and becomes effective immediately.

7. What is the official Oath of Office?

The Charter (§12.15) states that (a) Before taking the oath or affirmation of office prescribed by this Section and entering upon the duties of office, all elected officials of the City shall subscribe to the following statement: “I, _____________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, promised to pay, contributed, or promised to contribute any money or thing of value, or promised any public office or employment, for the giving or withholding of a vote at the election at which I was elected so help me God.” (b) Before taking the oath or affirmation of office prescribed by this section and entering upon the duties of office, all appointed officials of the City shall subscribe to the following statement: “I, ___________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, or promised to pay, contributed, or promised to contribute any money, or valuable thing, or promised any public office or employment, as a reward to secure my appointment or confirmation thereof, so help me God.” (c) Before entering upon the duties of their offices, all elected and appointed officials of the City shall take the following oath or affirmation: “I, ___________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of __________ of the City of Kennedale of the State of Texas and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State, and the Charter and ordinances of this city, so help me God.”