Dallas, TX

Early voters mostly supported Dallas’ propositions. Here’s what they rejected

Published

1 year ago

November 5, 2024

Early voters mostly supported Dallas’ propositions. Here’s what they rejected

Early voters rejected efforts to increase the pay for Dallas’ leaders but mostly approved of 13 other propositions backed by the City Council, according to unofficial preliminary election results.

Just 42% of early voters supported Proposition C. It would increase the mayor’s salary to $90,000 and the council members’ pay to $110,000.

There are 18 propositions on the Nov. 5 election ballot for Dallas voters. Four of them, Propositions R, S, T and U, were successfully petitioned onto the ballot through signature-gathering drives led by two nonprofit groups. Proposition A is a city code amendment the City Council sent to voters. The other 13 propositions were the result of a yearlong process to update the city’s charter. They include raising salaries, banning term-limited former council members from being eligible to be elected again and adding a preamble at the beginning of the charter.

Dallas’ charter is typically updated once every 10 years. It determines the powers of city government and how it operates and is structured.

The 15-member Dallas City Council was not in alignment on recommendations for how voters should weigh in on the entire slate of 18 propositions and there are no organized support or opposition groups for propositions A – Q.

Mayor Eric Johnson and council member Cara Mendelsohn told voters to reject all 18 propositions saying they felt too many of the proposals were “unwise, unnecessary and underdeveloped.” Johnson, Mendelsohn and the rest of the City Council urged voters not to support Propositions S, T and U, which would set new mandates for police spending and the city manager’s job status and bonuses, as well as make it easier for residents to sue the city.

Council members Adam Bazaldua, Zarin Gracey, Jaime Resendez and Chad West have publicly supported decriminalizing low levels of marijuana in Dallas, citing such arrests disproportionately affecting Black and Latino communities and concern it diverts police attention away from more serious crimes. Proposition R would ban Dallas police from arresting people on suspicion of carrying less than four ounces of marijuana.

West, on his X account last month, said he voted for Propositions A-R and against S, T, and U.

If none of the propositions pass, a new slate of proposals to update the charter could go to voters as soon as May. Otherwise, the soonest voters could consider new charter amendments would be in another two years.

Here’s a summary of the propositions backed by the majority of the City Council:

Proposition A has 68% of the early votes. This proposal makes a series of changes impacting the pension system for civilian employees as well as the board that oversees it. It adds language to the Dallas code that puts term limits for six of the seven pension board members. This amendment would eliminate a cap on the maximum amount the city can contribute, increase the contribution percentage for some members, and add language allowing the City Council to approve giving lump-sum payments to the pension fund.

Proposition B has 71% of the early votes. This proposal adds a preamble to the beginning of the city charter, which is essentially a mission statement saying Dallas is an equitable democracy, comprised of representatives that act to make the city fair, equitable, just, and safe for all residents.

Proposition C has 42% of the early votes. This proposal would raise the annual salary of Dallas’ mayor from $80,000 to $110,000 and the pay of the 14 district council members from $60,000 to $90,000. The change would go into effect starting in January. It would also allow yearly adjustments to the salaries equal to the year-over-year percentage increase in the local consumer price index.

Proposition D has 65% of the early votes. This proposal would remove references in the charter requiring City Council elections to be held in May and allow the City Council to set the election date via a resolution or ordinance. State legislators must separately also approve allowing Dallas to move council elections from May.

Proposition E has 69% of the early votes. This proposal would eliminate the ability of prior mayors or council members coming back to run for City Council after previously being elected and serving the maximum number of terms.

Proposition F has 67% of the early votes. This proposal clarifies that the city secretary and city auditor can hire and fire all employees in their offices. The charter currently just lists assistants.

Proposition G has 70% of the early votes. This would add language to the charter to restrict who can be appointed by a City Council member to the redistricting committee. The new criteria would disqualify relatives of council members, registered city lobbyists, people who have contractual obligations with the city, and others with ties to the city or elected officials.

Proposition H has 51% of the early votes. This proposal eliminates the requirement that members of the Redistricting Commission, City Plan Commission, Civil Service Board, and Park and Recreation Board be registered to vote, qualified voters, or qualified taxpaying citizens. Removing this requirement would put the eligibility of members who serve on these four groups in line with the rest of Dallas’ around 50 volunteer citizen boards and commissions.

Proposition I has 53% of the early votes. This proposal would increase the time people have to collect valid voters’ signatures on petitions to create a ballot proposition for a new Dallas ordinance in the city code or to change an existing one. The deadline extends from 60 days to 120. This proposition would also lower the number of valid voters’ signatures necessary on petitions. The minimum requirement drops from 10% of Dallas-qualified voters to 5%. The current 10% requirement equals around 70,000 signatures.

Proposition J has 61% of the early votes. This proposal would allow the City Council to replace appointed members of boards and commissions at any time before the end of that board or commission member’s two-year term via a majority council vote.

Proposition L has 69% of the early votes. This change would create a new chapter in the charter, moving the Inspector General division out of the city attorney’s office and establishing it as its own office. The Inspector General would report directly to the City Council rather than the city attorney.

Proposition O has 79% of the early votes. This proposal would update the charter to clarify the current position of Dallas associate municipal court judges and state that their qualifications are the same as municipal judges.

Proposition P has 53% of the early votes. This proposal would eliminate a charter requirement for a city employee who appeals their demotion or termination to an administrative law judge to pay half the costs for having that official conduct an appeal hearing.

Proposition Q has 71% of the early votes. This proposal approves a series of changes for Dallas’ charter to conform to state law and city code, correct and clarify language and match actual city practices.

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Dallas, TX

Inside the Dallas furry convention drawing thousands and sparking culture battles

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4 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Inside the Dallas furry convention drawing thousands and sparking culture battles

Those strolling around downtown Dallas this weekend might have noticed more tails, claws and snouts than usual.

Inside these flamboyant animal costumes, with cartoonish eyes and plushy paws, are people belonging to a subculture known as furries.

They came from different corners of the world, from different occupations – and as different animals.

Cats. Wolves. Lizards.

Convention guests chat during the Furry Fiesta convention at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in Dallas, Texas, on Mar 28, 2026.

Jason Janik / Special Contributor

All of them, though, gathered for the “Texas Furry Fiesta.” The convention, held at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, drew more than 8,000 furries — people who create an anthropomorphic animal character.

Attendees saw the event as a safe space to connect with others in the fandom, which has long been stigmatized. In Texas and across the country, the group has also been swept into heated battles over gender identity in the classroom.

About 65% of furries have not told any family members about their interest, according to studies conducted by Furscience, a website started by scientists researching the subculture. About 40% felt that the fandom was not socially accepted, according to the studies.

Dallas-Fort Worth has hosted the annual convention since 2009, according to David Brooks, an event spokesperson who is also a furry. The convention was organized by Creature Arts, a Texas charity dedicated to coordinating activities for those interested in anthropomorphic art.

The convention features everything from panels for students applying to medical school to nighttime dances, Brooks said. While the community can interact on the Internet, the convention offers an in-person space.

Attendees buy and trade furry-related items during the Furry Fiesta convention at the... — Attendees buy and trade furry-related items during the Furry Fiesta convention at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in Dallas, Texas, on Mar 28, 2026.
Jason Janik / Special Contributor

“We have a lot of diversity in our community, ranging from race, sex or gender identity,” Brooks said. “It’s hard to find a space where you can gather together and engage in friendly behavior.”

Inside the hotel, hordes of costumed attendees gathered in halls, waited by elevators and snapped pictures. They poked each other with questions about their outfits, and eyed trinkets at vendor tables.

Benedikt Althaus, who goes by Xariif, wore a tiger fursuit draped in red, white and blue stripes and splotches, reminiscent of the American flag.

This is no American tiger, though: Xariif traveled from Germany. The costume was on the cheaper side of fursuit couture, costing about 2,000 euros (roughly $2300 at current exchange rates).

Xariif poses for a photograph during the Furry Fiesta convention at the Sheraton Dallas... — Xariif poses for a photograph during the Furry Fiesta convention at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in Dallas, Texas, on Mar 28, 2026.
Jason Janik / Special Contributor

At these conventions, you find friends everywhere, Althaus said.

The fandom has faced controversy, having been tied to sexual fantasies in mass media. For example, a “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” episode portrayed furries as a sexually deviant group. Attendees pushed back on this characterization, saying they are not a fetish community, nor is there an inherently erotic element.

“Most of us are adults. Adult people do adult stuff,” Althaus said. “I don’t think that’s a huge part of this community.”

In 2022, a rumor surfaced in a Michigan school district that litter boxes were being added to unisex bathrooms for students identifying as cats, the New York Times reported. Similar accusations popped up across the country, leaving school superintendents, including the one in Michigan, to debunk them.

In 2025, Gov. Greg Abbott resurrected the hoax during his tour to pitch a $1 billion school voucher-style program, the Houston Chronicle reported. The same year, a bill, called the “F.U.R.R.I.E.S. Act,” was introduced to outlaw role-playing in Texas public schools.

“In some small rural sections of school districts in the state of Texas, they have in their schools, what are called furries,” Abbott told a gathering of pastors in Austin. “Kids go to school dressed up as cats with litter boxes in their classrooms.”

Similar events to the Texas Furry Fiesta have also been the target of violence. In 2014, at a Chicago-area furry convention, an “intentional” chlorine gas bomb was detonated, leaving 19 people hospitalized, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Near Main Street Garden Park, Alejandra Martinez did a double-take when she spotted a tail. Then, another.

It wasn’t a dog, or cat, or raccoon, but people.

While she can’t relate to the subculture, she can relate to the artistry and creativity required of it. At a small market on Saturday, she was selling handmade jewelry and charms for her business.

“If you look at it from a creative outlet, you definitely see, this is actually a hobby they’re dedicated to,” Martinez said.

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Dallas, TX

DAL@PIT Postgame: Glen Gulutzan | Dallas Stars

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16 hours ago

March 29, 2026

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DAL@PIT Postgame: Glen Gulutzan | Dallas Stars

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Cowboys Showing Significant Interest in Son of Philadelphia Eagles Legend

Published

1 day ago

March 28, 2026

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Cowboys Showing Significant Interest in Son of Philadelphia Eagles Legend

Getty

LB Josiah Trotter had a Top 30 visit with the Dallas Cowboys.

Former Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter is working out for the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, according to his March 27 Instagram story.

If Dallas selects the 20-year-old linebacker, who is the son of Philadelphia Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter and the brother of current Eagles LB Jeremiah Jr., it would put two brothers on opposite sides of one of the NFL’s most heated rivalries.

Jeremiah Sr. spent the best years of his 12-season NFL career in Philadelphia, earning four Pro Bowl nods, a first-team All-Pro nod and induction into the Eagles Hall of Fame. Jeremiah Jr. was a fifth-round pick by the Eagles in the 2024 draft and won a Super Bowl ring as a rookie.

Now, a third member of the family is about to enter the league, and it’s clear the Cowboys have a close eye on him.

Add Missouri LB Josiah Trotter to the Cowboys’ 30 visit list

More on Dallas Cowboys Having LB Josiah Trotter in for a Top 30 Visit Ahead of NFL Draft

GettyThe Dallas Cowboys are bringing LB Josiah Trotter in for a Top 30 visit ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Trotter’s college career was brief but sharply ascending. He signed with West Virginia in 2022 and redshirted the 2023 season after tearing his ACL during spring practices — a significant setback that delayed his debut but did nothing to diminish his trajectory.

When he finally got on the field in 2024, Trotter immediately established himself as a tone-setter. He finished the season with 92 tackles, four tackles for loss, half a sack, an interception and two passes defended, earning Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors and a spot on the Football Writers Association of America freshman All-American team.

Looking for a bigger stage, Trotter transferred to Missouri, and the move to the SEC only elevated his game. Playing in the tougher conference, he finished with 84 tackles (13 for loss), 2.0 sacks and a pass defended in 2025, earning first-team All-SEC recognition. Across two seasons as a starter, Trotter compiled 176 tackles and 2.5 sacks while playing for two different programs — a testament to his ability to step in and produce regardless of scheme.

Trotter also met with Dallas at the scouting combine, so the Cowboys’ interest is clearly there.

#Missouri LB Josiah Trotter, son of former Eagle Jeremiah Trotter and younger brother of current Eagles Lb Jeremiah Trotter Jr., had 18 formal interviews with teams. Has one with the #Saints later today, and others with the #Cardinals, #Colts, #Broncos, #Cowboys, #Bucs, #Ravens,… pic.twitter.com/6mfqBMxKOS
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) February 25, 2026

A Closer Look at the Cowboys LB Room Heading Into 2026 NFL Draft

Dallas’ linebacker room was arguably its weakest position group in 2025. DeMarvion Overshown, their most talented option at the position, has now suffered season-ending knee injuries in back-to-back years, including a torn ACL, MCL and PCL in December 2024 that cost him the first 10 games of the 2025 season. He returned in Week 11 but went down again with another serious knee injury in Week 16.

Overshown enters 2026 in the final year of his rookie contract, and the Cowboys have not committed to an extension. Dallas released veteran Logan Wilson this offseason, and Kenneth Murray departed after a relatively underwhelming year-long stint.

Drafting Josiah would mean a Trotter lining up on both sides of the NFC East’s nastiest rivalry — one brother anchoring the middle for the Eagles, the other doing the same in Dallas.

Considering new defensive coordinator Christian Parker is installing a 3-4 base defense that puts a premium on physical, smart players over the middle, there’s little doubt Dallas will be adding to the position in the draft. The only question is which LB(s) they’ll wind up with.

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