Voting and running for office in Hood County

Hood County residents are gearing up for the 2024 General Election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Here’s what voters need to know about preparing to vote and running for office:

VOTER REGISTRATION

The deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 7. Registration forms can be submitted by mail, postmarked by Oct. 7, or delivered in person to the Hood County Elections Office on the same day.

EARLY VOTING AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Early voting will take place from Oct. 19 to Nov. 1. Absentee ballot requests must be received by Oct. 25.

Completed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov 5 and received by Nov. 6 or returned in person by 7 p.m. Election Day.

MAIL-IN BALLOT INFORMATION

Eligible voters, including those 65 years or older, disabled, absent from the county, or confined in jail, can apply for a ballot by mail. Applications must be submitted to Stephanie Cooper, Hood County Elections Administrator, by mail, fax, or email, with additional mailed confirmation required within four business days.

This means if you choose to submit it electronically (by fax or email), you must also send a physical confirmation of your submission through the mail within four business days.

CITY OF GRANBURY ELECTIONS

The City of Granbury will hold its elections for Council member Place 3 and Council member Place 5 Nov. 5. These positions are each for a three-year term.

Residents of Granbury who are registered voters are eligible to vote in this election. The voter registration deadline is Oct. 7, and early voting will occur from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1.

Only residents of the City of Granbury can vote for council members for Place 3 and Place 5. These positions are specific to city government, so only those who live within the city limits and are registered voters in Granbury can participate in the election for these council positions. To discover city boundary lines, visit: https://www.granbury.org/827/interactive-Maps.

Residents of other areas in Hood County who do not live within the city limits of Granbury are not eligible to vote in these city council elections.

COUNCIL MEMBER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The elected council members will have significant responsibilities in shaping the city’s future. Their duties include:

• Enacting local laws;
• Approving the city’s budget; and
• Establishing policies that guide the city’s operations and long-term planning.

Council members also represent the interests and concerns of residents, attend community meetings and serve as a crucial link between the public and city government.

In addition to legislation and policymaking, council members oversee city management and departments to ensure effective service delivery and accountability.

They participate in strategic planning efforts, addressing infrastructure, economic development and environmental sustainability issues. Council members must engage with the public through meetings and forums — helping to gather input and provide information about city initiatives.

FILING PERIOD FOR ALL INTERESTED CANDIDATES

The filing period for these positions is from July 20, to Aug. 19, by 5 p.m. Applications can be submitted in person at City Hall, 116 W. Bridge St., Granbury, TX 76048, or via email or fax.

HOOD COUNTY ELECTORAL POSITIONS OPEN FOR ELECTION

Some Hood County positions are up for grabs in the 2024 General Election. Below are the positions available in each precinct (precinct areas noted below).

Precinct 1: Constable 1, JP 1, Commissioner 1 (includes voting precincts 101, 103, 105, 107 and 112)

Precinct 2: Constable 2, JP 2, Commissioner 2 (includes voting precincts 202, 211, 216 and 218)

Precinct 3: Constable 3, JP 3, Commissioner 3 (includes voting precincts 310, 313, 314 and 317)

Precinct 4: Constable 4, JP 4, Commissioner 4 (includes voting precincts 404, 408, 409 and 415)

POSITION ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Constable: According to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), a constable is a law enforcement officer who serves legal documents such as subpoenas, summonses and warrants and maintains peace in their precinct. Constables also have the authority to make arrests and serve as bailiffs in the Justice of the Peace courts.

Justice of the Peace (JP): The Justice of the Peace presides over minor civil and criminal cases, including small claims, traffic offenses and landlord-tenant disputes. JPs also conduct inquests and may perform marriage ceremonies. For additional information about this position, visit https://www.tjctc.org.

County Commissioner: As defined on https://county.org, a county commissioner is a member of the Commissioners Court, the county’s governing body. They are responsible for road and bridge maintenance, setting the county budget, and overseeing various county services.

For more information about Hood County elections schedules and requirements for running for public office, visit: https://www.granbury/org/803/Elections.

BREAKDOWN OF THE AREAS GENERALLY COVERED BY EACH PRECINCT

• Precinct 1: Includes voting precincts 101, 103, 105, 107 and 112. Towns/areas covered: Parts of Granbury, DeCordova and other surrounding areas in the northeastern part of Hood County.
• Precinct 2: Includes voting precincts 202, 211, 216 and 218. Towns/areas covered: Tolar, Oak Trail Shores and other areas in the northwestern part of Hood County.
• Precinct 3: Includes voting precincts 310, 313, 314 and 317. Towns/areas covered: Parts of Granbury, Pecan Plantation and other surrounding areas in the southeastern part of Hood County.
• Precinct 4: Includes voting precincts 404, 408, 409 and 415 Towns/areas covered: Lipan, Brazos Bend and other areas in the southwestern part of Hood County.

RUNNING FOR OFFICE — DETAILS

Individuals interested in running for office must follow these steps:

• File a Campaign Treasurer Appointment at the Hood County Elections Office at 1410 W. Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048.
• Filing must occur before raising or spending any campaign funds or announcing candidacy.
• Submit Filing Fees or Petitions: Candidates can either pay a filing fee or submit a petition with the required number of registered voter signatures to the local political party chair. The Elections Office provides detailed information on precinct-specific signature requirements.

File Financial Reports: Candidates must file campaign financial reports with the Elections Administrator’s Office according to set deadlines.

VOTER CONTACT INFORMATION

For any election-related questions, residents can contact the Hood County Elections Office at 817-408-2525 or visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/guide/2024/offices2024.shtml.