Analysis: A delay in drawing new maps this year could slow next year's elections
The 2012 party primary elections in Texas were held May 29 instead of March 6 that year โ the result of litigation over new political maps drawn to fit the 2010 census. Itโs not just a calendar thing; moving those dates can have a real influence on an electionโs results. The runoff elections, naturally enough, were pushed back, too, from May to the last day of July. The filing deadlines were moved along with the elections, but the net effect was a protracted primary election season โ and a shortened general election season. Once the state has maps, candidates can file, raise money, campaign and press toward an election date โ once they know what that election date is.