Texas Counties Deliver

Information for Candidates and Office Holders
Interested in running for public office?

You must file an Appointment of Campaign Treasurer before you file an application for a place on the ballot, announce your intent to run for public office, or solicit or accept contributions or make expenditures.

You may also wish to complete a Code of Fair Campaign Practices form.

Filings due to the Caldwell County Elections Department should be filed using our online filing system.  Campaign Finance Website- User Guide  Note: You will not be able to file reports using the online system until our office has approved your registration application. Your registration can not be approved until we have received the completed Caldwell County ECF Security Form.  Please contact the Texas Ethics Commission to determine who the filling authority is for the office you intend to run and for any questions regarding filing requirements.

Texas Ethics Commission- Starting Your Campaign/Ending Your Campaign 

Application for A Place on the Primary Ballot is filed with the political party of your choice. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.023 

The application for a place on the primary ballot must be accompanied by either a filing fee or a petition in lieu of filing fee (PDF) signed by a certain number of qualified voters.  Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.025.

 

Filing dates: November 11, 2023-December 11, 2023 (6 p.m. deadline).

Important Election Dates:

Primary Early Voting:
February 20, 2024 – March 1, 2024

Primary Election Day:
March 5, 2024

Primary Runoff Early Voting:
May 20, 2024 – May 24, 2024

Primary Runoff Election Day:
May 28, 2024

General Election Early Voting:
October 21, 2024-November 1, 2024

General Election Day:
November 5, 2024

Please note that information on this page is subject to change as a result of legislation or court order.

For further information please contact your local political party.

  • Welcome we are dedicated to making the election process as accessible and transparent as possible. If you are interested in running for local office in Caldwell County, here is what you need to know:

    • Determine your eligibility: Before you can run for office, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. This may include residency requirements, age requirements, and any other qualifications that may be required for the specific office you are seeking.

    • Research the filing requirements: You will need to file certain forms and pay a filing fee to run for office. You can find information on the specific forms and fees required on our website or by contacting our office.

    • Collect signatures: Depending on the office you are running for, you may need to collect signatures from registered voters in your district to qualify for the ballot. Make sure you understand the requirements for petitioning onto the ballot and collect the necessary signatures before the deadline.

    • Follow campaign finance rules: Texas has strict campaign finance rules that you must follow. You will need to file periodic reports detailing your campaign finances, including contributions and expenditures. Make sure you understand the reporting requirements and deadlines.

    • Engage with voters: Running for office requires building a strong connection with voters. Attend local events, engage with constituents on social media, and knock on doors to meet potential voters and learn about their concerns.

    • Stay informed: Stay up-to-date with local issues and events by attending city council meetings, reading local news sources, and engaging with other community members. This will help you understand the issues that matter to your constituents and shape your platform.

    • Contact us: If you have any questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help you navigate the election process and ensure that the election is fair and transparent for all candidates.

     

    Requirements for local offices (municipalities, school districts, other districts) in Texas vary according to the political subdivision. Therefore, you must contact the political subdivision where you are interested in running for office for qualification requirements, filing periods and other relevant information. At a minimum, you will be required to file an application for place on the ballot with your political subdivision.  For additional information visit the Texas Secretary of State’s Local Election Candidate Information Page.

    The following links are helpful resources for candidates as well as for office holders.

    Candidates and/or office holders are required to file Campaign Finance Reports on a certain filing schedule. 

    Filings due to the Caldwell County Elections Department should be filed using our online filing system. 

    Note: You will not be able to file reports using the online system until our office has approved your registration application. Your registration cannot be approved until we have received the completed Caldwell County ECF Form.

    Please contact the Texas Ethics Commission to determine who the filling authority is for the office you hold or intent to run.

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Local Political Parties

HOW DO I GET A VOTER LIST?

You need to submit a Public Information Request form and be sure to list the format you would like to receive it.

(Example: Voter list of Commissioner Pct. 1 (Requested Party) in CSV format.) 

Local Public Servants
County government is the most responsive and transparent level of government in Texas, led by officials who live and work in the communities they serve. Local officials understand their county and its particular needs.

Caldwell County Officials

County Commissioners

 

Constables

 

      • Represents the state in prosecuting misdemeanor criminal cases.
      • Works with law enforcement officers in the investigation of criminal cases.
      • Provides legal advice to the Commissioners Court and to other elected officials.
      • Brings civil enforcement actions on behalf of the state or county.
      • Represents victims of family violence in protective order proceedings.
      • Represents Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in child abuse and neglect cases.
      • Represents the state in applications and petitions for mental health commitments.

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      • Represents the state in prosecuting felony criminal cases.
      • Works with law enforcement officers in the investigation of criminal cases.
      • Presents cases to the grand jury.
      • Represents victims of violence in protective orders and represents the state in removing children from abusive households.

      Some counties just have either a Criminal District Attorney or a combination County and District Attorney. In these counties, one office performs the functions of both the County Attorney and the District Attorney.

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      • Appointed by the district judge(s).
      • Prepares and administers accounting records for all county funds.
      • Audits the records and accounts of the various county departments.
      • Verifies the validity and legality of all county disbursements.
      • Forecasts financial data for budgetary formulation purposes.
      • Serves as budget officer in counties with more than 225,000 residents. (Counties with more than 125,000 residents may opt for an appointed budget officer.)

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      • Hears traffic and other Class C misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only.
      • Hears civil cases with up to $10,000 in controversy.
      • Hears landlord and tenant disputes.
      • Hears truancy cases.
      • Performs magistrate duties.
      • Conducts inquests.

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      • Serves as clerk and custodian of records for the Commissioners Court, Constitutional County Court and Statutory County Courts.
      • Acts as a recorder and custodian of important public records, including all bonds, deeds, birth and death certificates, assumed names and livestock brands, ensuring that records are maintained in a secure, archival manner.
      • Issues marriage licenses.
      • Services as chief elections officer in most counties. 

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      • Serves as clerk and custodian of all records for the District Courts.
      • Indexes and secures all court records, collects filing fees, and handles funds held in litigation and money awarded to minors.
      • Coordinates the jury panel section process.
      • May process passport applications.
      • Manages court registry funds. 

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      • Receives and deposits all county revenues.
      • Acts as chief liaison between the county and depository banks.
      • Prepares the payroll.
      • Disburses funds upon the order of the Commissioners Court.
      • Records receipts and expenditures and reconciles bank statements.
      • May be designated as the county’s investment officer and required to submit regular reports on county finance to the members of the Commissioners Court.
      • May also act as the county’s human resources officer, employee benefits coordinator, risk manager and insurance coordinator.
      • May have some audit responsibilities in counties with no Auditor. 

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    • The Commissioners Court conducts the general business of the county and consists of the County Judge and four Commissioners. The Court:

      • Adopts the county’s budget and tax rate.
      • Approves all budgeted purchases of the county.
      • Fills vacancies in elective and appointive offices.
      • Sets all salaries and benefits.
      • Has exclusive authority to authorize contracts.
      • Provides and maintains all county buildings and facilities. 

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      • Presiding officer of the Commissioners Court.
      • Represents the county in many administrative functions. 
      • Serves as budget officer in counties with fewer than 225,000 residents.
      • Most have broad judicial duties, such as presiding over misdemeanor criminal and small civil cases, probate matters and appeals from the Justice of the Peace Court.
      • Serves as head of emergency management. 

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      • As a member of the Commissioners Court, exercises broad policy-making authority.
      • Represents one of four precincts within the county.
      • Typically responsible for building and maintaining county roads and bridges within their precinct. 

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      • Calculates property tax rates for the county.
      • May collect taxes for cities, schools and other local taxing entities.
      • Processes motor vehicle title transfers.
      • Issues motor vehicle registration and licenses.
      • May process boat titles and registrations.
      • Registers voters and may conduct elections.
      • Collects various other fees for the state and county. 

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      • Serves as a licensed peace officer and is responsible for enforcing the criminal laws of the state.
      • Manages and operates the county jail.
      • Provides security for the courts.
      • Serves warrants and civil papers.
      • Regulates bail bondsmen in counties with no bail bond board.
      • May serve as the Tax Assessor-Collector in counties with fewer than 8,000 residents.

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      • Serves as a licensed peace officer and performs various law enforcement functions, including issuing traffic citations.
      • Serves warrants and civil papers such as subpoenas and temporary restraining orders.
      • Serves as bailiff for Justice of the Peace Court.

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