Commissioner’s Court approves submission of 2025 HAVA election security grant

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Texas — The Washington County Commissioner’s Court on June 17 approved a resolution authorizing submission of the county’s 2025 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) election security grant application to the Texas Secretary of State.

Jacqueline Carroll, identified in the meeting as the county elections representative, said the HAVA grant is federal funding distributed through the state to counties to improve administration and security of federal elections, including election technology and processes. Carroll told the court the grant can be retroactive and may reimburse previously purchased items such as signage.

“This is a federal grant, and the resolution to be approved offers the elections department the opportunity to receive funding to improve the administration of elections for federal offices, including and enhancing election technology and making election security improvements to the systems, equipment, process,” Carroll said.

Court members made and seconded a motion to approve the resolution authorizing submission of the 2025 HAVA Election Security Grant; members responded with “aye” and the motion carried. The resolution states the grant will be administered in accordance with applicable federal and state law; Carroll said amounts and specific purchases will follow grant award rules and that the funds historically have paid for county election equipment.

No dollar amount or detailed project list was provided at the meeting. Carroll described the grant as a recurring funding source that has been used to purchase county election equipment in prior cycles and recommended acceptance of the opportunity to apply for and receive available funds.

The court did not discuss any county match requirement, timelines for award notification, or specific equipment purchases during the meeting.