In a recent City Council meeting held on August 5, 2025, the Whitehouse City Council addressed key electoral matters, including a resolution for a joint election with Smith County and the scheduling of upcoming council elections. The meeting, which took place in Whitehouse, Texas, focused on ensuring the smooth execution of the November elections, highlighting the importance of collaboration with county officials.

The council approved a consent agenda that primarily included the minutes from previous meetings. Following this, the council discussed a resolution (R 25-08-05-01) authorizing the city manager to enter into an interlocal agreement with Smith County for conducting a joint election. City officials emphasized the benefits of this partnership, noting that it would provide expanded voting options for residents and streamline the election process. The council received an updated estimate for the election costs, which are shared among participating entities, and confirmed that there would be no significant changes to the anticipated expenses.

A notable point of discussion was the status of unopposed council members on the ballot. Council members clarified that even if candidates are unopposed, they will still appear on the ballot due to necessary charter amendments that require voter approval. This ensures that all relevant issues are presented to the electorate, regardless of the number of candidates.

Additionally, the council moved to call and order the election for Council Places 13 and 5, with the filing period for candidates open until August 18. Early voting is scheduled to run from October 20 to October 31, culminating in Election Day on November 4. While early voting locations have been confirmed, specific locations for Election Day voting are still pending finalization by Smith County.

The discussions during this meeting underscore the council's commitment to facilitating a transparent and accessible electoral process for the citizens of Whitehouse. As the city prepares for the upcoming elections, the collaboration with Smith County is expected to enhance voter participation and ensure that all necessary amendments are addressed in a timely manner. The council's proactive approach reflects its dedication to maintaining an engaged and informed electorate.