La Coste, Texas Public Records

Residents can register to vote online through the Texas Secretary of State's website at https://www.votetexas.gov, or by submitting a paper application available from the Medina County office, public libraries, or various state agencies. Applications must be postmarked or submitted at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Texas requires voters to present one of seven approved forms of photo identification when voting, including a driver's license, election identification certificate, passport, military ID, or concealed handgun license. Municipal elections for mayor and city council positions in La Coste typically occur in May of odd-numbered years, consistent with the Texas Election Code provisions for general law cities. The next municipal election cycle would be May 2025, with subsequent elections in May 2027. Candidate filing periods, ballot measure information, and local election results are available through the Medina County elections office and posted at City Hall. Local voters also participate in Medina County Commissioner elections - the city falls within one of four commissioner precincts - and countywide races for Sheriff, County Judge, County Clerk, Tax Assessor-Collector, and other offices. Polling place assignments for residents can be found using the Texas Secretary of State's online polling place locator at https://teamroster.sos.state.tx.us/ or by contacting the Medina County elections office directly. Polling locations may include community centers, schools, or other public facilities, with assignments based on precinct boundaries. Early voting is available at designated locations in Medina County for a period beginning the 17th day before election day and ending four days before election day, with extended hours during the final week. In the November 2024 presidential election, Medina County saw approximately 55-60% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with rural Texas county patterns in presidential cycles. The county historically leans Republican in most statewide races. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, voters here will decide several significant races. Texas will hold elections for Governor (incumbent term expires 2027), all statewide executive offices including Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Comptroller, and all 150 Texas House seats (including the district serving the area). There is no U.S. Senate race in Texas in 2026 (next Senate election is 2028). Voters will also decide on county offices up for election in that cycle and any local school board or special district positions. Texas has restrictive mail-in voting eligibility; absentee ballots are only available to voters who are 65 or older, disabled, confined in jail but otherwise eligible, or out of the county during the election period including early voting. Applications for mail-in ballots must be received by the Medina County elections office no later than the close of business on the 11th day before election day. Texas offers extensive early in-person voting as an alternative to election day voting. Public election records in Texas include voter registration information (name, address, date of birth, and voting history, but not party affiliation as Texas does not register by party), which is available for legitimate purposes. Campaign finance reports for local, county, and state candidates are filed with the Texas Ethics Commission and are searchable online at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/. Candidate filing information and precinct-level election results are maintained by the Medina County elections office and become public record following certification.