Hico, Texas Public Records

Residents can register to vote online through the Texas Secretary of State's system at www.votetexas.gov, or by submitting a paper voter registration application to the County Voter Registrar. Applications must be postmarked or submitted at least 30 days before an election. Texas requires voters to present one of seven approved forms of photo identification, including a Texas driver license, Texas election identification certificate, Texas personal identification card, Texas handgun license, U.S. Military ID card, U.S. Citizenship certificate with photo, or U.S. Passport. The City of Hico holds municipal elections for mayor and city council positions. City council elections typically occur in May of odd-numbered years, with the next regular municipal election scheduled for May 2025 to elect council members. The mayor and council members serve two-year terms on a staggered basis. Information about candidates, ballot measures, and local election results can be obtained from Hico City Hall at 213 Pecan Street (phone: 254-796-4141) or through the County Elections office. Local residents can look up their assigned polling location by visiting the Texas Secretary of State's voter portal at www.votetexas.gov or by contacting the County Elections office. Early voting for county and state elections is typically available at the Hamilton County Courthouse during the period specified by Texas Election Code, usually beginning the 17th day before election day and continuing through the 4th day before election day. Texas public information laws make numerous election records accessible to the public. Voter registration lists are public records available for inspection, though they cannot be used for commercial purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees are filed with the Texas Ethics Commission and searchable at www.ethics.state.tx.us. Candidate filings, applications for a place on the ballot, and petitions are maintained by the elections office and are public records. Election results by precinct are published after each election and available from the Hamilton County Clerk. In the November 2024 presidential election, the county saw approximately 55-60% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with rural Texas counties in competitive presidential election years, with strong support for Republican candidates typical of this conservative rural area. The November 3, 2026 general election will be a significant midterm contest for Hico and Hamilton County voters. Texas voters will elect a U.S. Senator, as John Cornyn's seat is up for election in 2026. All U.S. House seats are contested every two years, and local voters will elect their representative in Texas Congressional District 25. State-level races will include the Texas Governor's race, as Greg Abbott's term expires in 2026, along with Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other statewide executive offices. The entire Texas House of Representatives - all 150 seats - will be on the ballot, with the city located in a state house district elected for two-year terms. Half of the Texas Senate's 31 seats will also be contested. At the Hamilton County level, voters will likely see races for county judge, county commissioners for specific precincts, county clerk, district clerk, sheriff, tax assessor-collector, county treasurer, and justice of the peace positions depending on which terms expire in 2026. Texas voters can request mail-in ballots if they are 65 years or older, sick or disabled, out of the county during the election period including early voting, or confined in jail but eligible to vote. Mail ballot applications must be submitted to the Hamilton County Early Voting Clerk (the Hamilton County Clerk) and received by the 11th day before election day. Applications and detailed information are available at www.votetexas.gov or by contacting County Elections at (254) 386-1274.