March 16, 2023

San Antonio Groups Drive Justice Charter Initiative to May Ballot

Grassroots groups collected enough signatures to get San Antonio's Justice Charter on the May ballot. If passed, the initiative would improve the lives of Black and brown communities and create powerful momentum for the criminal justice reform movement in San Antonio and other cities.

Nonpartisan,Prisons and Policing,Reproductive Justice,Stories from the States,Texas

For months, grassroots groups in San Antonio have organized to get enough signatures to put a bold and necessary omnibus charter amendment on the May Municipal Elections ballot. The San Antonio Justice Charter’s package of policies includes banning no-knock warrants, chokeholds, full cite and release policies, decriminalization of marijuana and abortions, and more. If passed, the initiative would improve the lives of Black and brown communities and create powerful momentum for the criminal justice reform movement in San Antonio and other cities.

After numerous attempts in the city to pass similar policies were blocked by the city manager, groups like ACT for SA, ILRC, SA Stands members, Ground Game, TOP, MOVE, and others came together, and they are making huge strides. In spite of counter efforts from the Police Union, partners are continuing to educate voters to take this important campaign to the finish line and win in May. During a recent press conference, the coalition gathered to discuss the disinformation coming from City Attorney, Andy Segovia, emphasizing “nothing can deter the power of unity and community.”

Right now, we can continue to support groups in San Antonio that are reimagining safety in the city. MVP partner, Ground Game shared “we would not have qualified for the San Antonio ballot without the support of Movement Voter Project.” Today and everyday we can choose to show up for local groups creating transformation that will extend to their communities and beyond.