UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research releases results of final survey ahead of Election Day

OCTOBER 24, 2024 -A new survey of San Antonio voters by the UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research (CPOR) shows a shift in sentiment for Proposition C, the San Antonio city charter amendment that would remove caps on the city manager's salary and the number of years a person could serve in that position.

At the same time, the survey reveals that 72% of voters remain unfamiliar with all six of the charter amendments that they are being asked to consider. Still, that is a nearly 10-point change from a CPOR survey conducted in September, when 81% of respondents said they were unaware of the charter amendments referendum.

In the survey of voter opinions, conducted October 15-20, 43% expressed support for Proposition C, 27% were opposed and 30% were unsure. If adopted, Proposition C would amend the city charter to give city council "the authority to set the full terms of the city manager's employment including tenure and compensation."

By comparison, in a September survey conducted by CPOR, Proposition C had the least support of voters. Last month, 53% said they did not support it and 33% said they were in favor of the measure when asked if the charter should be amended to "remove the caps on the salary of the city manager and the number of years a person could serve in the position as city manager."

The October survey used the ballot's exact language while the September survey used brief descriptions of the propositions.

"It's clear that, for a few of the propositions, there is a disconnect between voters' understanding of the ballot language and their support for the effects the propositions would have," said Bryan Gervais, UTSA associate professor of political science and CPOR director. "Public polling like that conducted by the center provides insight into what the public understands, what it doesn't understand, and what that means for good governance and accountability. The results highlight why public polling is essential."

The most recent CPOR poll queried 656 San Antonio likely voters to gain their thoughts and opinions about San Antonio's charter amendments and the candidates running in the city's 2025 mayoral race. The survey also measured support in high-profile federal races. This poll was administered in English and Spanish and has a margin of error of +/- 3.8%.