Bells, Texas Public Records

These agencies regularly collaborate with the Sheriff's Office when major investigations or coordinated law enforcement initiatives require a broader response, creating a network of coverage that extends throughout the county.

Texas residents can register to vote online through the Texas Secretary of State at www.texas.gov/living-in-texas/texas-voter-registration or by submitting a paper application available at county offices, libraries, and various state agencies. Registration applications must be postmarked or submitted at least 30 days before any election. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, Texas residents, at least 18 years old by election day, and not convicted felons unless their sentence is completed, nor judged mentally incapacitated. When voting in person, residents must present photo identification such as a Texas driver's license, election identification certificate, passport, military ID, or other acceptable forms under Texas law. Municipal elections for mayor and city council positions typically occur in May of odd-numbered years, following Texas election law requiring uniform election dates. The next regular city election is scheduled for May 2025, with positions including mayor and council members depending on term expirations. Residents can get information about city election candidates and local ballot measures from the City Secretary at Bells City Hall, (903) 965-7248, and from the Grayson County Elections office, which often administers these elections under contract. Residents can locate their assigned polling place by visiting the Texas Secretary of State's website at www.votetexas.gov or by contacting the Grayson County elections office. Early voting locations for county and state elections are typically available at the elections office and other designated sites announced before each election. Under Texas election law, voter registration lists are public records available for purchase from the county for lawful purposes. Campaign finance reports for county and local candidates are filed with the county and open for public inspection. Candidate applications and precinct-level election results are also public records maintained by the elections office. In the November 2024 presidential election, Grayson County reported approximately 59% voter turnout among registered voters, with residents strongly supporting Republican candidates, consistent with regional political trends. For the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in the community and throughout Grayson County will decide several important races including all Texas U.S. House seats (Texas does not have a U.S. Senate race in 2026), the Governor of Texas race (the governor's term expires in 2027, so Governor Greg Abbott or his successor will be on the ballot in 2026), Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, other statewide executive offices, the Texas State Senate District 30 seat (depending on the election cycle), Texas House of Representatives District 62 seat, county positions including County Judge, Sheriff, County Clerk, District Clerk, County Treasurer, Tax Assessor-Collector, County Attorney, Justices of the Peace, and Constables, as well as any local school board positions and municipal offices if city elections are consolidated. Texas allows absentee voting by mail only for voters who are 65 or older, disabled, confined in jail but eligible to vote, or will be out of the county during the entire early voting period and on election day. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to the Grayson County Elections Administrator and received (not postmarked) by the 11th day before election day.