Alvarado, Texas Public Records

The bond and bail process follows Texas law, allowing detainees to secure release by posting the amount set by the court. Those trying to locate someone recently arrested can contact the jail directly or use the online inmate search tool.

Texas voters can register online through the Texas Secretary of State at https://www.votetexas.gov, or by submitting a paper application available from the Johnson County Clerk, libraries, or various government offices. Registration applications must be postmarked or submitted at least 30 days before an election. At the polls, Texas requires voters to present one of seven acceptable forms of photo identification, including a Texas driver's license, Texas Election Identification Certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, or certain other government-issued IDs; those without acceptable ID may sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present supporting documentation. The city holds municipal elections for mayor and city council positions in May of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.) in accordance with Texas Election Code provisions for Type A general law cities. The mayor and five city council members serve staggered terms, with some positions up for election in each cycle. Information about candidates, ballot measures, and local election dates is available from Alvarado City Hall at 817-783-6911 or the City Secretary's office. Candidate filings, campaign finance reports for local candidates (if required by city ordinance), and election results are public records available through the city. Residents can find their assigned polling location using the Texas Secretary of State's voter registration search tool at https://teamrwd.txapps.texas.gov/voterlookup, which shows registration status, sample ballot, and polling place assignment when an election approaches. Johnson County typically operates multiple countywide early voting locations and assigns election day polling places by precinct. Early voting for most elections runs approximately two weeks before election day, with extended hours during the final days. In Texas, voter registration lists are public information and can be purchased from the county voter registrar, though use is restricted to election-related purposes. Campaign finance reports for state and county candidates are filed with the Texas Ethics Commission and searchable at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us. Local candidate filings and election results are maintained by the Johnson County elections office and city secretary. Precinct-level election results are posted by the Johnson County Clerk after canvassing. In the November 2024 general election, Johnson County reported strong turnout consistent with presidential election years, with approximately 62-65% of registered voters participating. The county has trended heavily Republican in recent election cycles, with GOP candidates typically winning by substantial margins. Voting patterns in the city generally align with countywide results. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, voters here and across Johnson County will decide several important races. Texas Governor Greg Abbott's term expires in 2026, with the gubernatorial election heading the statewide ballot. All 150 Texas House of Representatives seats will be on the ballot, including the district seat representing the area (currently District 60). Texas does not have a U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2026 (next in 2024 and 2028). Several statewide executive offices will be contested including Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, and other positions. At the Johnson County level, certain Johnson County Commissioner precincts, the County Sheriff, County Judge, and various county offices will be on the ballot depending on the regular election cycle for those offices. The city's municipal elections in May 2025 will determine some local positions before the November 2026 general election. Texas has relatively restrictive mail ballot (absentee voting) rules. Mail ballots are available only to voters who: (1) will be 65 years or older by election day, (2) will be absent from the county during early voting and on election day, (3) are in jail but otherwise eligible, or (4) have a disability or illness that prevents voting in person. There is no general "no-excuse" mail voting in Texas. Applications for mail ballots must be received by the Early Voting Clerk (Johnson County Elections office) no later than 11 days before election day. Applications can be submitted by mail, fax, email (as scanned PDF), or common carrier, but not online through a web portal. Completed mail ballots must be received (not just postmarked) by 7:00 PM on election day, or if hand-delivered, must be received by the close of polls.