Alamo, Texas Public Records

Texas residents can register to vote online at www.votetexas.gov or by submitting a voter registration application by mail. Applications must be postmarked at least 30 days before an election. Those registering in the area must provide their Texas driver's license number or personal identification number; if they have neither, they must indicate this on the application and provide proof of residency. Voter registration remains permanent unless the voter moves to a different county, changes their name, or becomes ineligible. Texas requires voters to present one of seven approved forms of photo identification at the polls, including Texas driver's license, Texas election identification certificate, Texas personal ID card, U.S. Passport, U.S. Military ID card, U.S. Citizenship certificate with photo, or a license to carry handgun. Alamo holds municipal elections for Mayor and City Council positions, typically on the uniform election date in May of odd-numbered years. The Mayor and Council Members serve staggered terms. Information about candidates, ballot measures, and local propositions specific to the city can be found through the City Secretary's office at City Hall (956-787-2113) and through the Hidalgo County Elections website, which posts candidate filings and sample ballots prior to each election. Local residents vote on city matters only if they reside within the city limits; those in nearby unincorporated areas vote only in county, state, and federal races. Voters can find their assigned polling location by visiting the Texas Secretary of State's website at www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/where-to-vote.html and entering their address, or by contacting the Hidalgo County Elections Department. Polling place assignments are based on voter registration address and precinct boundaries. Early voting is available at multiple locations throughout Hidalgo County for approximately two weeks before each election, including weekends. The Elections Department announces early voting sites and hours prior to each election. Texas law makes certain election records publicly accessible. Voter registration lists are public information and can be purchased from the county for legitimate purposes. Campaign finance reports for local candidates are filed with the Texas Ethics Commission and searchable at www.ethics.state.tx.us. Candidate applications and filings are public records available through the elections office. Precinct-level election results are posted on the Hidalgo County Elections website after each election and archived for historical research. Individual voter history (which elections a person voted in, but not how they voted) is also public record. One U.S. County offices including County Judge, County Commissioners for certain precincts, County Clerk, District Clerk, Sheriff, Tax Assessor-Collector, and District Attorney may appear on the ballot depending on term expirations. Local school board positions for PSJA ISD may also be decided. Voters should check with the Hidalgo County Elections Department closer to the election for a complete list of races and any local bond propositions or constitutional amendments. Texas offers limited mail-in voting. To qualify for a mail ballot, voters must be 65 years or older, have a disability, be confined in jail but eligible to vote, or be out of the county during the early voting period and on Election Day. Applications for mail ballots must be submitted to the Hidalgo County Early Voting Clerk (same office as Elections Department) and received by the 11th day before Election Day for regular elections. Voted mail ballots must be received (not postmarked) by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Applications and instructions are available at www.hidalgocounty.us/570/Elections-Department or by calling 956-318-2570.