The Ellis County Commissioners Court convened on September 30, 2025, to discuss several key items related to the upcoming elections, including the establishment of election day vote centers and the nomination of candidates for the Ellis Appraisal District Board of Directors.
The meeting began with a focus on preparations for the joint election scheduled for November 4, 2025. County officials highlighted the urgency of finalizing arrangements, as early voting is set to begin in approximately 20 days. The court approved the election day vote centers, which will be officially posted on the county's website in compliance with the Election Code. This election will feature 17 propositions, including a notable constitutional amendment regarding an additional homestead exemption, alongside various special and general elections for nine local entities.
Following this, the court unanimously approved a joint contract for election services with the participating political subdivisions, which include the cities of Ferris and Lehi Heights, as well as several school districts. This contract formalizes the collaboration between the county and these entities for the upcoming election.
The final item on the agenda involved the nomination of Tim Cummings and Walter Erwin to the Ellis Appraisal District Board of Directors for a four-year term starting January 1, 2026. This nomination process is part of a new system where various taxing authorities in Ellis County will nominate candidates, leading to an election by the Commissioners Court later in the year. The court discussed the implications of this new process, including changes in how votes are distributed among the nominees.
Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to ensuring a smooth electoral process and adapting to new governance structures within the Appraisal District. The court will reconvene on October 14 to finalize nominations and continue preparations for the upcoming elections.