As long as it’s not against the law and they have the support, then they can do it.” County judge “Anything we do has to be found in statute,” she said. The court also conducts the official tally of local votes for county and state elections and can appoint the county clerk or an elections administrator to serve as the voter registrar instead of the county tax assessor-collector.Ĭounties have less room to enact policies and often must lobby the state Legislature to expand or change the scope of their work, said Jen Crownover, a Comal County commissioner and the first vice president of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas. The commissioners court plays an important role in elections by appointing election judges who oversee polling locations in each precinct. This is often where politics or disagreements unfold over funding priorities or taxes, said Drew Landry, an assistant professor of government for South Plains College.
The commissioners court adopts a county budget and tax rate, approves county contracts and calls for bond elections to fund roads and construction. These bodies serve as the board that governs county government, much like how a city council governs a municipality. All elected county offices are held for four-year terms. Some voters may have a say on local propositions for bonds, which allow governments to take on debt to fund projects, or to increase tax revenue.Ĭounty leaders run local elections, implement state and federal laws and provide public services, especially for residents who live outside of incorporated city boundaries. Texans living in cities may also see candidates for city council and mayor.
Several county seats and school board positions will be on ballots. They also set local tax rates that determine homeowners’ property tax bills.
Many communities across the state will be choosing local leaders on Election Day.Īll Texans, including those in unincorporated territories, live in a county and public school district, which provide public services. High-profile federal and state races aren’t the only political contests that will be decided in the Nov. You can also get election updates via text message by texting “hello” to 51. For the latest news and information on elections, sign up for our free daily newsletter. and others for asking us about the power and qualifications of county judges, county leaders and school boards. Thanks to readers like Jennifer H., Erin P. The Texas Tribune is answering reader questions ahead of the midterms about elections and the issues Texans are voting on.
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