Ozona, Texas Public Records

Residents can register to vote through the Texas Secretary of State's online system at www.votetexas.gov or by completing a paper application available from the Crockett County Clerk, local libraries, or Department of Public Safety offices. Texas law mandates registration at least 30 days before any election. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, residents of Crockett County, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. A Texas driver's license or state ID number is required for registration, or if unavailable, the last four digits of a Social Security number. The city holds municipal elections for mayor and city council in May of odd-numbered years, following the uniform election date calendar established by Texas law. City election information, candidate filing deadlines, and local ballot measures are posted at Ozona City Hall at 1105 Avenue D and published in the Ozona Stockman, the local newspaper. Candidates for city office file with the Ozona City Secretary during the designated filing period, typically in January and February before the May election. Because this is a small municipality, elections often go uncontested, though local issues such as infrastructure improvements, tax rates, and community development still generate voter interest. Voters can find their assigned polling location through the Crockett County Elections office or by using the Texas Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at www.votetexas.gov. The county typically consolidates polling locations due to its small population, with Election Day voting often taking place at the Crockett County Civic Center or courthouse annex. Early voting is conducted at the Crockett County Clerk's office in the weeks preceding Election Day, offering extended hours including some evening and weekend times to accommodate working residents. Sample ballots and election notices are published in advance. Texas public information law makes certain election records publicly accessible. Voter registration lists are available to candidates, political parties, and qualified requesters, though use is restricted to election related purposes and the lists cannot be used for commercial solicitation. Campaign finance reports for city, county, and state candidates are filed with the Texas Ethics Commission and are searchable online at www.ethics.state.tx.us, showing contributions, expenditures, and donor information. Candidate applications and ballot measure petitions are public records maintained by the Crockett County Clerk. Precinct-level election results are posted by the Crockett County Clerk after canvassing and are available for public inspection, showing turnout and vote totals by race and precinct. Texas will hold elections for Governor (four-year term), Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other statewide executive offices. One of Texas's two U.S. Voters will also decide any local school board positions and may face county or city propositions on bond issues or policy questions. Texas law provides for mail-in (absentee) voting only for voters who meet specific criteria: those aged 65 or older, voters who will be absent from the county during the early voting period and on Election Day, voters confined in jail but otherwise eligible, or voters with a sickness or physical disability. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to the Crockett County Elections Administrator, with the application received (not just postmarked) by the deadline, typically 11 days before Election Day. Ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (postmarked by Election Day) or delivered in person to the Crockett County Clerk. Unlike many states, Texas does not offer no-excuse absentee voting or universal vote-by-mail. Voters must present acceptable photo ID when voting in person or submit a copy with their mail-in ballot, with acceptable IDs including Texas driver's license, Texas election identification certificate, Texas personal ID card, U.S. Passport, military ID, or citizenship certificate with photo.