Lockhart residents could vote on decriminalizing marijuana this November

LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) -- Lockhart city voters could soon have a say as to whether or not to decriminalize low-level possession of marijuana within city limits, following a petition effort earlier this year.

Lockhart City Secretary Julie Bowerman sent a memo on July 23 to Lockhart City Council, verifying the Lockhart Freedom Act ballot petition. Mano Amiga Responsible Implementation (MARI) collected more than 900 signatures from city voters supporting the proposition before submitting them to the city in late May, officials with Ground Game Texas -- a nonprofit advocacy group -- confirmed in a release.

Lockhart City Council's next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 6, with Ground Game Texas officials saying the city "is on track to put the proposition on the November ballot."

Should the proposition appear on the ballot, voters will weigh in on whether or not the City of Lockhart will decriminalize marijuana possession of four ounces or less within city limits. It's an effort that has made appearances statewide as well as right here in Central Texas.

“While this campaign is working to end needless arrests for cannabis possession, keep community members free from the harmful collateral consequences of an arrest and save scarce city resources, we are also working to build community power in Lockhart," said Elle Cross, MARI's campaign director, in the release. "This policy process is as democratic as it gets, and we’re hopeful that this campaign will demonstrate to our community the power we hold as a collective and the future we can build alongside one another.” 

Those interested can view the proposed charter amendment and similar materials online.