BREAKING: Early results show Austin voters back Proposition A to end low-level marijuana enforcement, no-knock warrants


Austin police currently do not enforce low-level marijuana possession and have limited no-knock warrant policies. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)


Austin police currently do not enforce low-level marijuana possession and have limited no-knock warrant policies. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)

With early voting results in, Austin’s Proposition A appears headed for passage and would end both low-level marijuana enforcement and the use of no-knock warrants by police in the city.

Based on initial tallies from the nine-day early voting window in Hays, Travis and Williamson counties, 83.6% of Austin voters cast a ballot in favor of Proposition A and 16.4% voted against. Vote totals from election day are expected to be released through the evening, and all results are unofficial until canvassed.

If the early results hold, Proposition A’s passage means the Austin Police Department will no longer issue citations or make arrests for Class A or B misdemeanor marijuana possession. Class C misdemeanor enforcement related to drug paraphernalia or residue would also end. However, police may still seize marijuana, and arrests or citations could still be made in connection with felony investigations.

Additionally, the limited practice of no-knock warrants would be banned, and police would instead be required to announce themselves and wait 15 seconds before executing a search warrant.

Proposition A made it onto Austin’s May 7 ballot following a successful petition drive led by Ground Game Texas last year. In Austin, certified initiative petitions may either be approved outright by City Council or put before city voters; officials decided to call an election for the measure in January.

According to the city, the Proposition A election cost $699,786.


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