Mercedes, Texas Public Records

When major incidents occur or regional emergencies develop, these agencies work together and often bring in state and federal partners to ensure public safety coverage throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

The bond and bail process adheres to Texas state guidelines, permitting release upon payment or posting of the required amount. Those searching for recently arrested individuals can use Hidalgo County's online search tool to locate inmates.

The Texas Public Information Act governs access to these documents, making them available to the public with certain exceptions that protect privacy and preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations.

Applications must arrive at least 30 days before an election. To qualify, voters must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old on election day, residents of Hidalgo County, not finally convicted of a felony unless they have completed their sentence including parole and probation, and not declared mentally incapacitated by a court. The city operates under a council-manager form of government with a mayor and commissioners representing different districts. Municipal elections for these positions are typically held on the uniform election date in May of odd-numbered years, with the next city elections scheduled for May 2025. Candidate information, local ballot measures, and sample ballots are available through the City Secretary's Office at City Hall, reachable at 956-565-3114, and through the Hidalgo County elections department closer to election dates. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the "Where to Vote" search tool on the Texas Secretary of State website at teamrwd.sos.texas.gov or by contacting the elections department with their residential address. Early voting locations are published on the Hidalgo County elections website approximately two weeks before each election. Under Texas law, voter registration lists are public records available for inspection, though their use is restricted to election related purposes. Campaign finance reports for state races are accessible through the Texas Ethics Commission website at ethics.state.tx.us, while local race reports are available through the Hidalgo County elections office. Precinct-level election results for all county elections are posted online after canvassing. During the November 2024 presidential election, Hidalgo County reported voter turnout of approximately 48% of registered voters, with over 180,000 ballots cast out of approximately 375,000 registered voters countywide. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in the community will decide several significant races: all U.S. House seats including District 15 which covers the area are on the ballot; the Texas Governor's race will be decided as Greg Abbott's term expires; all statewide executive offices including Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Land Commissioner, and Agriculture Commissioner; all 31 Texas State Senate seats; all 150 Texas House seats including District 41 which represents the city; and county-level positions including Hidalgo County Judge, County Commissioners for districts on the ballot that cycle, County Clerk, District Clerk, Sheriff, Tax Assessor-Collector, County Attorney, District Attorney, and various judicial positions. Texas allows early voting by mail only for voters 65 and older, voters who will be out of the county during the entire early voting period and election day, voters confined in jail but eligible to vote, or voters with a disability or illness that prevents voting in person. Applications for mail ballots must be submitted to the Hidalgo County Early Voting Clerk and received by the 11th day before election day. All other voters must cast ballots in person during the early voting period, which begins the 17th day before election day for most elections, or on election day itself.