Court Rules in Favor of Gary Boren for June 27 Special Election

Update: the City Secretary has accepted the Court's opinion and will comply accordingly.

The Seventh Court of Appeals has just ruled in favor of Gary Boren, requiring the City of Lubbock to put his name on the special election ballot for City Council District 4.

Gary Boren Battle for the Ballot

Gary Boren has been fighting for his name to appear on the ballot for Lubbock City Council District 4, but since he only lived in the district for two months when he filed, the city rejected him. State law requires candidates who apply for city council to have lived in the district for at least six months.

In early April, Boren implored a Texas Appellate Court to put his name on the ballot, despite the city's refusal.

Boren's commitment paid off, as a Friday ruling from the Seventh Court of Appeals officially granted his name to be on the ballot in the upcoming special election. The court reviewed Boren's citing of Lubbock's charter which had control over the issue rather than state law.

The Lubbock charter stated that candidates must have lived in the district at the time of filing, rather than the standard six-month minimum. The Seventh Court of Appeals ruled that the charter does indeed have control over the issue, ruling in favor of Boren.

June 27th Special Election Ballot

Gary Boren will officially be added to the June 27th special election ballot for City Council District 4, along with Tim Green and Bill Curnow.

In a statement from Gary Boren, he said that he was proud of the court's ruling and that this is a win for every voter in Lubbock as well. He also voiced his concern for the active attempts from city council in denying his eligibility.

"Why are they afraid I'll be elected?" Boren added. "What is it they don't want me — or YOU — to know?"

You can view the full details surrounding Lubbock's general election and special election this year, as well as the candidates currently in the running, on the City of Lubbock website.