Lubbock Voters Reject Proposal to Decriminalize Small Amounts of Marijuana

In a disappointing outcome for supporters of Proposition A, Lubbock residents voted against decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana in the city, with nearly 65% of voters rejecting the proposal.

The ordinance, if passed, would have instructed Lubbock police to refrain from arresting adults found with four ounces or less of marijuana.

Adam Hernandez, spokesperson for Lubbock Compact, the organization spearheading the decriminalization efforts, attributed the defeat to low voter turnout. Despite considerable efforts and volunteer support, they were unable to generate sufficient voter participation.

Regarding the possibility of revisiting the issue in the future, Hernandez emphasized the need to prioritize voter education and turnout before moving forward with any new initiatives.

The push to end some low-level marijuana arrests began with Lubbock Compact, prompting a grassroots campaign after the City Council unanimously rejected the proposal.

However, the proposition faced significant opposition from megachurches, state leaders, and law enforcement, who argued that it posed a threat to public safety.

Despite early voting numbers indicating increased interest compared to previous municipal elections, with over 26,000 early ballots cast, the total voter turnout of about 35,000 fell short. This is significant considering Lubbock County has over 190,000 registered voters.

While some Texas cities have successfully passed similar ordinances, such as Austin, Killeen, Denton, Elgin, and San Marcos, they have faced legal challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Harker Heights, another city with a similar policy, has resisted pressure to change its enforcement guidelines.”