Garland, Texas Public Records

Texas bond procedures permit the posting of bail to secure an inmate's release, and information about recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office or the jail's online system.

Texas residents can register to vote online through the Texas Secretary of State at https://www.texas.gov/living-in-texas/register-to-vote/ or by submitting a voter registration application by mail or in person at the Dallas County elections office; applications must be postmarked or submitted at least 30 days before an election. Acceptable identification for registration includes a Texas driver's license or ID card number, and voters must provide proof of identity when voting in person. The city holds municipal elections for mayor and city council typically in May of odd-numbered years, with the next elections scheduled for May 2025. Seven city council members represent individual districts plus a mayor elected at-large, all serving three-year terms. Information about candidates, local ballot measures, and city propositions is available through the City Secretary's office at 972-205-2403 and https://www.garlandtx.gov/189/City-Secretary. Residents can find their assigned polling location through the Dallas County Elections website at https://www.dallascountyvotes.org or by calling the elections department. Public election records in Texas include voter registration rolls (available with restrictions under Texas Election Code), campaign finance reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us, candidate applications and filings, and precinct-level election results, all of which are publicly accessible. In the November 2024 presidential election, Dallas County reported approximately 67% voter turnout among registered voters, with over 900,000 ballots cast. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Texas voters will decide several major races: the gubernatorial election (Governor Greg Abbott's term expires in 2027, so this election will determine the next governor), all U.S. House seats for Texas including the 32nd District which covers portions of Garland, the Texas State Senate District 2 seat, Texas House District 100 and 101 seats representing Garland, and Dallas County offices including County Judge, Sheriff, District Attorney, County Clerk, and Tax Assessor-Collector. Texas law requires an excuse for mail-in voting; eligible voters include those 65 or older, those who will be absent from the county during the election period, those confined in jail but eligible to vote, and those with a sickness or disability. Applications for mail ballots must be received by the Dallas County elections office no later than 11 days before election day, and completed ballots must be received (not postmarked) by 7:00 PM on election day.