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Register to Vote | Grandview, MO

Come to the Ed Rachal Memorial Library for any information regarding elections or voting!

Texas Counties Deliver
  • Anna Garcia- Election administrator
    agarcia@co.brooks.tx.us

    Phone: 361-325-5670 x 369

    Ashley Gonzalez- Election Clerk
    ashley.gonzalez@co.brooks.tx.us

    Phone: 361-325-5670 x 208

     
    Ed Rachal Memorial Library
    203 Calixto Mora Ave
    P.O. Box 714
    Falfurrias, Texas 78355

    Fax: 512-895-9733
    •  

      November Constitutional  Amendment Special Election - November 07, 2023

        

      • First Day to Apply for an application for Ballot by Mail (ABBM)- Sunday, January 1, 2023
      • Last Day to Register to Vote- Tuesday, October 10, 2023
      • First Day of Early Voting by personal appearance- Monday, October 23, 2023
      • Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (RECEIVED, NOT postmarked)- Friday, October 27, 2023
      • Last day of Early Voting- Friday, November 03, 2023
      • Last Day to Receive Ballot by Mail-Tuesday, November 07, 2023 (ELECTION DAY) at 7:00 PM 

      COVID Protocols 

      Health Protocols for Voting in Person.pdf

      Covid Protocols .docx

       

      • Am I Registered to Vote

        "Am I Registered" 

        If you would like to check your registration status, you can log onto the Secretary of State Web page.

        Click link below:

        https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do

        Texas Secretary of State

        State Capitol

        P O Box 12060

        Austin, TX   78711

        800 252-8683

      • razAW13-8 Prescribed by Secretary of State • Section 62.016, Texas Election Code • 08/2016

        ID required for Texas Voters

        If you possess one of the following forms of acceptable photo ID, you must present it when voting in person:

        • Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
        • Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
        • Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
        • Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS
        • United States military identification card containing your photograph
        • United States citizenship certificate containing your photograph
        • United States passport (book or card)

        Do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of these IDs?  Fill out a declaration at the polls describing a reasonable impediment to obtaining it, and show a copy or original of one of the following support forms of ID:

        • a government document that shows the voter's name and an address, including the voter's voter registration certificate
        • a current utility bill
        • a bank statement
        • a government check
        • a paycheck
        • a certified domestic (from a U.S. stat or territory) birth certificate
        • a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter's identity (which may include a foreign birth document)

        With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, for voters aged 18-69,  the acceptable form of photo identification must be current or have expired no more than 4 years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. A person 70 years of age or older may use a form of acceptable photo identification that has expired if the identification is otherwise valid.

        Voters with a disability may apply with the county voter registrar for a 
        permanent exemption to presenting an acceptable form of photo identification or following the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure at the polls.  Voters with a religious objection to being photographed or voters who do not present any form of photo identification or follow the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure at the polls because of certain natural disasters may apply for a temporary exemption to presenting an acceptable form of photo identification of following the Reasonable impediment Declaration procedure.  For more details, voters may contact the Brooks County Election office (361) 325-5670 x 369

        For more information about photo ID requirements including exemptions, please visit www.votetexas.gov.

        Identificación requerida para votantes de Texas

        Si posee una de las siguientes formas de identificación aprobadas con fotografia, debe presentarla al votar en persona:

        • Licencia de Conducir de Texas expedida por el Departamento de Seguridad Pública
          (DPS, según sus siglas en inglés)
        • Cédula de Identificación Electoral de Texas expedida por DPS
        • Tarjeta de Identificación Personal de Texas expedida por DPS
        • Licencia de Texas para Portar un Arma de Fuego Oculta expedida por DPS
        • Cédula de Identidad Militar de los Estados Unidos con fotografía de la persona
        • Certificado de Ciudadanía Estadounidense con fotografía de la persona o
        • Pasaporte de los Estados Unidos

         

        No posee y no puede razonablemente obtener una de estas identificaciones? Llene una declaración en la casilla electoral describiendo un impedimento razonable para obtenerla, y muestre una copia o el original de las siguientes formas de identificación adicionales:

        • Licencia de Conducir de Texas expedida por el Departamento de Seguridad Pública 
          (DPS, según sus siglas en inglés)
        • Certificado de Identificación Electoral de Texas expedida por el DPS
        • Tarjeta de Identificación Personal de Texas expedida por DPS
        • Licencia para Portar un Arma de fuego de Texas expedida por el DPS
        • Cédula de identificación militar de los Estados Unidos con fotografía
        • Certificado de ciudadanía Estados Unidos con fotografía
        • Pasaporte de los Estados Unidos

        Con la excepción del certificado de ciudadanía estadounidense, la  ientificación aprobada confotografía estar actualizada o no haber vencido más de cuatro años antes de ser presentada en la casilla de votación para  poder ejercer su voto.

         
        Electores con alguna discapacidad pueden solicitar una exceptión permanente por medio de la oficina de registro electoral de su condado para no presentar una identificación (la cual no debe haber vencido más de cuatro añosantes) en la casilla de votación.  Electores con (1) una continua odjectión relidiosa a ser fotografiados o (2) que no presenten una de las siete formas de identificatión aprobadas con fotografía debido a ciertos desastres naturales declarados por el Presidente de los Estados Unidos o por el Gobernador del Estado de Texas, pueden solicitar una excepción temporal parano presentar una identificación aprobada con fotografía al momento de votar en al la casilla electoral. (361) 325-5670 x 369

         

        www.votetexas.gov/es

      • REGISTER TO VOTE

        LAST DAY TO REGISTER BEFORE THE

        City of Falfurrias & BCISD General Election 

        is on Thursday, April 06, 2023 at 5:00 P.M.

         

        Voter registration applications are used for new applicants, name changes, address changes or any other change to reflect updated information to a voter record.

        You may obtain an application as follows:

        • You may request an application from this office by phone (361) 325-5670 X 369
        • You may request an application vie email (agarcia@co.brooks.tx.us)
        • You may stop by the office and register in person (203 S Calixto Mora Ave)
        • You may download the application, print it, sign it and mail or deliver application to “The Elections Office”

                 www.votetexas.gov

                https://www.votetexas.gov/es/index.html

         
        Questions you may have.

        1. Where do I send my voter registration application?

        Brooks County Election Administrator

        203 S Calixto Mora Ave

        Falfurrias Tx, 78355

         2. Can I transfer my registration from my old County instead of completing another application?

        No, you must complete a new application for Brooks County

         3. Can I register one day before Election day and still vote?

        No, you must register 30 days prior to any State, Federal, County, or Local Election.

      • MILITARY & OVERSEAS VOTERS   

        Military and Overseas Voters

        U.S. citizens residing outside the United States along with members of the Uniformed Services and their family members are eligible to use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) form to request a by-mail ballot. The FPCA also serves as an application for temporary voter registration for eligible citizens not currently registered to vote. Please review the following requirements and information for requesting a ballot via the FPCA form.

        Texas Residency

        Having a permanent residence address in Brooks County is a prerequisite to requesting ballots from Brooks County. Residence is defined in Section 1.015 of the Texas Election Code as the voter’s permanent home to which he or she intends to return after any temporary absence. This definition implies that you must have lived at the location at one time and intend to return, so generally you cannot list a location where you have never been physically present.

        U.S. citizens whose most recent domicile was in Brooks County, but whose intent to return is uncertain may vote a federal ballot only. Voters in this category must indicate in the “Remarks” area of the FPCA that they are applying for a federal ballot only.

        How to obtain an FPCA form

        Postage-paid FPCA forms are available from U.S. embassies, consulates, and from the voting assistance officer at each military installation. An online version of the FPCA form is available from the website of the Federal Voting Assistance Program.                   Click here to view and print the online FPCA form

        Completing the FPCA

        • The last 4 digits of your Social Security number OR your Texas driver’s license number is required for voter registration in Texas.
        • You must provide your political party preference in Item 6 of the FPCA form if you wish to vote in Primary elections. Party preference is not required if you are requesting by-mail ballots only for general elections.
        • It is strongly recommended that FPCA applicants provide an e-mail address and fax number (if available) in the “Remarks” section of the FPCA so that we can quickly contact you if your application is missing required information.

        Submitting the completed FPCA form

        A completed FPCA form must be submitted to the Elections Administration Department by mail, common contract carrier, or by fax. If submitting the FPCA by fax, please also send the original form to us by mail. Please note that unlike the cardstock version of the FPCA, users of the online FPCA must place the printed form in an envelope and affix postage. At present there are no provisions to allow for submission of the FPCA through the Internet. Please return your FPCA to:     

        203 S Calixto Mora Ave        Falfurrias, TX  78355      T ( 361) 325-5670 x 369

        The Federal Voting Assistance Program also provides assistance in faxing FPCA forms from locations outside the United States. See this website for more information: http://www.fvap.gov/contact/toll-free-fax/index.html

      • Voter Registration

        • People with disabilities have the right to register to vote so long as they are eligible, which means they:
          • Are citizens of the United States;
          • Are at least 17 years and 10 months old at time of registration (but to vote, they must be 18 years of age by Election Day);
          • Have not been finally convicted of a felony, or if they have been convicted, have completed all of their punishment, including any term of incarceration, parole, supervision, probation, or have received a pardon;
            • Note: Deferred adjudication is not a final felony conviction.
          • Have not been determined by a final judgment of a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote.
        • Individuals who have legal guardians may be eligible to register, depending on whether the court took away their right to vote. All guardianship orders issued after September 1, 2007 must state whether the individual can vote.
        • People with disabilities can receive assistance registering to vote from any state agency that provides services to persons with disabilities or from any person they choose.

        Accessible Voting Systems

        • On September 1, 1999, Texas became the first state to require that all new voting systems be accessible to voters with disabilities and provide a practical and effective means for voters with disabilities to cast a secret ballot.
        • In every federal election (and most nonfederal elections), each polling place will offer at least one type of accessible voting equipment or Direct Record Electronic (“DRE”) device. This equipment allows voters with disabilities to vote directly on the system or assist them in marking the paper ballot. Depending on the type of system, voters with disabilities may use headphones or other assistive devices to help them vote independently and secretly.
        • In certain nonfederal elections held in counties with a population of less than 20,000, accessible machines may not be available at every polling place. To determine if accessible machines will be available or to request an accommodation, contact the early voting clerk of the county or political subdivision holding the election at least 21 days before the election.

        All Polling Places in Texas Must be Accessible

        Polling places should support voters, not hinder them. When you go to the polls in Texas, you can expect:

        • Your polling place will meet strict accessibility standards, including:
        • A location on the ground floor that can be entered from the street or via an elevator with doors that open at least 36 inches
        • Doors, entrances, and exits used to enter or leave the polling place that are at least 32 inches wide
        • Any curb next to the main entrance to the polling place must have curb-cuts or temporary non-slip ramps
        • Stairs necessary to enter or leave the polling place must have handrails on each side and a non-slip ramp.
        • Removal of all barriers such as gravel, automatically closing gates, closed doors without lever-type handles, or any other barrier that impedes the path of the physically disabled to the voting station.
        • Voting systems that are accessible to voters with physical disabilities and can accommodate no vision, low vision, no hearing, low hearing, limited manual dexterity, limited reach, limited strength, no mobility, low mobility, or any combination of the foregoing (except the combination of no hearing and no vision)
        • Each polling place will offer at least one type of accessible voting equipment or Direct Record Electronic (“DRE”) device. This equipment allows voters with disabilities to vote directly on the system or assist them in marking the paper ballot. Depending on the type of system, voters with disabilities may use headphones or other assistive devices to help them vote independently and secretly.

        Voters May Receive Assistance at the Polls

        Tell the election official if you are a voter who needs help to vote. You do not have to provide proof of your disability. Voters are entitled to receive assistance if they:

        • Cannot read or write; or
        • Have a physical disability that prevents them from reading or marking the ballot; or
        • Cannot speak English, or communicate only with sign language, and want assistance in communicating with election officials.

        Voters may be assisted by:

        • Any person the voter chooses who is not an election worker;
        • Two election workers on Election Day; or
        • One election worker during early voting.

        Voters MAY NOT be assisted by:

        • Their employer;
        • An agent of their employer; or
        • An officer or agent of their union.

        The person assisting the voter must read him or her the entire ballot, unless the voter asks to have only parts of the ballot read. The person assisting the voter must take an oath that he or she will not try to influence the voter’s vote and will mark the ballot as the voter directs. If the voter chooses to be assisted by polling place officials, poll watchers and election inspectors may observe the voting process, but if the voter asks to be assisted by a person the voter chooses, no one else may watch him or her vote.
        It is illegal for a person assisting the voter to:

        • Try to influence the voter’s vote;
        • Mark the voter’s ballot in a way other than the way they have asked; or
        • Tell anyone how the voter voted.

        Voters May Use Interpreters at the Polls

        Voters who cannot speak English, or who communicate only with sign language, may use an interpreter to help them communicate with election officials, regardless of whether the election official(s) attending to the voter can speak the same language as the voter. The voter may select any person other than the voter’s employer, an agent of the voter’s employer, or an officer or agent of a labor union to which the voter belongs. If the voter cannot read the languages on the ballot, the interpreter may also assist by translating the language on the ballot for the voter in the voting booth. (See assistance section above for more details.) If the voter is deaf and does not have a sign language interpreter who can accompany them to help communicate with the poll worker or read the ballot, the voter should contact his or her local election officials before the election and request assistance. NOTE: This is a change in prior law, due to Court Orders issued on August 12 and 30, 2016.

        Curbside Voting

        If a voter is physically unable to enter the polling place, he or she may ask that an election officer bring a ballot to the entrance of the polling place or to a car at parked at the curbside. After the voter marks the ballot, they will give it to the election officer, who will put it in the ballot box. Or, at the voter’s request, a companion may hand the voter a ballot and deposit it for him or her.

        For additional information, contact:

        Secretary of State
        Elections Division
        P.O. Box 12060
        Austin, Texas 78711-2060
        512.463.5650 or 1.800.252.VOTE (8683)
        Fax 512.475.2811, TTY 7.1.1

        Brooks County Election Office
        Anna M Garcia 

        203 S Calixto Mora Ave

        P.O. Box 714

        Falfurrias, Tx 78355

        Disability Rights Texas
        Voting Rights Project for Voters with Disabilities
        2222 West Braker Lane
        Austin, TX 78758
        1-888-796-VOTE (8683) (V/TTY)
        Fax: 512-323-0902
        http://www.disabilityrightstx.org/contact/

        Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
        316 W. 12th Street, Suite 405
        Austin, Texas 78701
        Phone: (512) 478-3366
        Fax: (512) 478-3370
        e-mail: cotwd@cotwd.org

      • ABSENTEE BY - MAIL VOTING

        If you have circumstances that prevent you from voting during the regular early voting period or on election day, you may utilize the Mail Procedure.

        Each qualified voter that wishes to vote early by mail must submit an application to the early voting clerk for each election. You may apply if you are eligible and qualify for one of the five reasons below:

        • 65 Years of Age or Older
        • Disability (as defined in Texas Election Code 82.002(a),) By checking this box, “I affirm that I have a sickness or physical condition that prevents me from appearing at the polling place on election day without a likelihood of needing personal assistance or of injuring my health.”
        • Expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day 
        • Expected Absence from the county (You may apply for a ballot for one election and its resulting runoff, if your dates of absence from the county include both elections )
        • Confined in  jail on involuntary civil commitment (You may apply for a ballot for one election and its resulting runoff)

        Applications may not be submitted more than 60 days before election day and must be received by this office no later than the 11th day before election day. NO ANNUAL APPLICATIONS FOR EXPECTED ABSENTEES, EXPECTED TO GIVE BIRTH OR CONFINEMENT IN JAIL.

        To request an absentee ballot call us at (361) 325-5670 x 369.  You can also download and print the absentee ballot application, Get your application here. Complete the application (if not completed properly, you will receive a rejection letter) then put the completed application in an envelope and mail with postage to: 

        Brooks County Election Administrator 

        Anna M Garcia

        P.O. Box 714

        Falfurrias, Tx 78355

         

        Application For a Ballot by Mail.pdf

         

        Reminder: Annual Ballot by Mail Applications are only good for one calendar year.

        New law: If a voter submits an Application for a Ballot by Mail via fax or email, the early voting clerk must receive the original application via mail within 4 business days of the submission of the fax or email.

        APPLICATION DO'S

        • Section 1 - Do include your Texas Driver's License and/or Social Security Number on the Application
        • Section 3 Do select a reason you are voting by mail.
        • Section 4 - Selecting the box for Annual Application will automatically send you ballots for the elections you qualify for in the entire calendar year. Annual Application for Ballot by Mail expire on December 31 of the year. The voter must reach out and specifically request an Application for Ballot by Mail annually.
        • Do select your party preference under the Primary Election section in order for us to send you the correct ballot.
        • Do mail the Application for ballot by mail early enough to be received by the by the Early Voting Clerk at least 11 days before any election for which you want a ballot.

        APPLICATION DON'TS

        Section 5 - Don't forget to sign the application

        BALLOT DO'S

        • Secrecy Envelope - Do place your ballot in the white secrecy envelope.
        • Required Information - Do include your Texas driver's license Number and/or Social Security numbers on your return ballot. The numbers on the Application and Ballot by Mail must match.
        • Assisting a Voter Do fill out the Section "If you are an assistant, provide information below" be sure to include your printed name, signature, address, and relationship.
        • Witness Do fill out the Section "Instructions to Witness" be sure to include your printed name, signature, address, and relationship.
        • DO mail the ballotin time to be postmarked by 7:00 PM on Election Day and received by the Early Voting Clerk no later than 5:00 PM on the day after Election Day.
        • Signature - You must seal the envelope first, and then sign over the flap. Your signature must show completely.

        BALLOT DON'TS

        • Signature - Don't sign and then fold the flap over the signature.
      • Important 2023 Election Dates

        November 7, 2023 - Uniform Election Date
        These dates are subject to changes from the 2023 legislative session.
        Authority Conducting Elections Local Political Subdivisions and Counties
        Deadline to post candidate requirements 5 Form 1-15 (PDF) Monday, November 7, 2022
        First day to apply for a ballot by mail using Application for a Ballot by Mail (ABBM) or Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).

        Sunday, January 1, 2023*  

        *First day to file does not move because of New Year’s Day holiday.  An “Annual ABBM” or FPCA for a January or February 2023 election may be filed earlier, but not earlier than the 60th day before the date of the January or February election.
        Deadline to post notice of candidate filing deadline Thursday, June 22, 2023 for local political subdivisions that have a first day to file for their candidates1
        First Day to File for Place on General Election Ballot (for local political subdivisions ONLY)1   Saturday, July 22, 2023 (“first day” does not move; office hours not required)
        Last Day to Order General Election or Election on a Measure

        Monday, August 21, 2023

        Last Day to File for Place on General Election Ballot (for local political subdivisions ONLY)2

        Monday, August 21, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

        See note below relating to four-year terms 3
        Last Day to Register to Vote

        Tuesday, October 10, 2023*

        *First business day after Columbus Day
        First Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance Monday, October 23, 2023 (17th day before election day falls on a Saturday, first day moves to next business day)
        Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked) Friday, October 27, 2023
        Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance Friday, November 3, 2023
        Last day to Receive Ballot by Mail Tuesday, November 7, 2023 (election day) at 7:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is not postmarked, OR Wednesday, November 8, 2023 (next business day after Election Day) at 5:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election on Election Day (unless overseas or military voter deadlines apply)4

        1 For the few entities who do not have a first day to file: For the May 6, 2023 election, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 is the deadline to post notice of candidate filing deadline for local political subdivisions that do not have a first day to file for their candidates. For the November 7, 2023 election, Saturday, July 22, 2023 is the deadline to post notice of candidate filing deadline for local political subdivisions that do not have a first day to file for their candidates.

        Local political subdivisions include: cities, school districts, water districts, hospital districts, and any other local government entity that conducts elections. Many of these elections are conducted on the May uniform election date. Note: Counties may also be holding local proposition (measure) elections on May 6, 2023.

        2 Filing deadlines: generally, the filing deadline is the 78th day prior to Election Day. The Code may provide a different special election filing deadline. See Section 201.054 of the Texas Election Code (the “Code”). Write-in deadlines for general and special elections vary. See the long calendar for this election date for details. The write-in deadline for most local (city, school, other) special elections is now the same day as the filing deadline for application for a place on the ballot. Section 201.054.

        3 If no candidate for a four-year term has filed an application for a place on the ballot for a city office, the filing deadline for that office is extended to 5 p.m. of the 57th day before the election. For the May 6, 2023 election, this is Friday, March 10, 2023. For the November 7, 2023 election, this is Monday, September 11, 2023. See Section 143.008 of the Code.

        4 Different deadlines apply to the last day to receive ballots sent by the following: 1) non-military and military voters who mailed ballots from overseas and submitted a regular state Application for Ballot by Mail (“ABBM”), 2) non-military voters who mailed ballots from overseas and who submitted a Federal Postcard Application (“FPCA”), and (3) military voters and members of the Texas National Guard, who mailed ballots domestically or from overseas and who submitted an FPCA. See Secs. 86.007, 101.001 and 101.057 of the Code.

        5 Section 2051.201 of the Government Code requires all political subdivisions with the authority to impose a tax maintain a publicly accessible Internet website and post the date and location of the next election for officers  of the political subdivision and the requirements and deadline for filing for candidacy of each elected office of the political subdivision, which shall be continuously posted for at least one year before the election day for the office.

    • BROOKS CO. DEMOCRATIC CHAIR

                                       Elsa Saenz 

        361-455-2254

        211 W Miller

        esaenz12@hotmail.com

        BROOKS CO. REPUBLICAN CHAIR

        Jessica Lopez 

        361-455-7174

        chair@brookscountygop.us

       

                  
       
    • ELECTION RELATED AGENCIES

       

       

      • TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION

      Candidates or Officeholders can search the website for information or questions you may have regarding campaign reports, political advertisement, ect. There are numerous, helpful search options for your benefit.

       

      ***Staff Attorneys are available for questions***

      Texas Ethics Commission

      www.ethics.state.tx.us

      State Capitol

      201 E 14th St, 10th floor

      Austin, TX   78701

      512 463-5800

       

       

      • SECRETARY OF STATE

      You may use this website for information about whether you are registered to vote in Texas and find helpful links relating to Voting and Texas Election Information.

      ***Staff Attorneys are available for assistance***

      www.ethics.state.tx.us

      Secretary of State

      State Capitol

      P O Box 12060

      Austin, TX   78711

      800 252-8683

       

       

      • TEXAS POLITICAL PARTIES     

      Texas Democratic Party

      www.txdemocrats.org

      505 West 12th St, Suite 200

      Austin, TX   78701

      512 478-9800

      Republican Party of Texas

      www.texasgop.org                                                

      1108 Lavaca St, Suite 500

      Austin, TX, 78701

      512 477-9821

      Libertarian Party of Texas

      www.lptexas.org

      P.O.  Box 41059

      Austin, TX   78701

      800 422-1776