Bell County canvasses Nov. 5 general election, reports 55.17% turnout
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Summary
Bell County Commissioners Court formally canvassed Nov. 5, 2024 general election results, reporting 131,431 ballots cast from 238,243 registered voters (55.17% turnout), highlighted major races, and confirmed required recount deadlines under the Texas Election Code.
Bell County Commissioners Court on Nov. 18 canvassed the final results of the Nov. 5, 2024 general election and accepted countywide totals reported by Elections Administrator Dr. Roberts.
Dr. Roberts told the court there were 238,243 registered voters and 131,431 ballots cast countywide — 97,125 during early voting, 29,205 on election day and 5,101 by mail — yielding a turnout rate of 55.17%. "There were 238,243 registered voters," Dr. Roberts said while summarizing the report and handing out precinct-by-precinct results.
The administrator highlighted top-ticket results and percentages reported in the county summary. The court also reported completion of the secretary of state's mandated partial manual count with no discrepancies. Citing Texas Election Code section 212.028 and section 67.005, Dr. Roberts said the deadline to request a recount for a county office is 5 p.m. on the third business day after the canvas, which falls on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Commissioners asked procedural and operational questions about the election, including ADA inspection reports and the county's new voter-wait-time app. Dr. Roberts said ADA inspection reports submitted by internal election-day surveyors are sent to external consultants and then to the U.S. Department of Justice, with consultant reports due within 30 days. On the app, he explained the county moved from an earlier IT-built application to a new integrated system that requires poll workers to update wait times at the check‑in station; that change produced some "kinks" this year but staff expect improved performance after adjustments.
After discussion, Commissioner Schuman moved and Commissioner Whitson seconded to canvas the results; the court approved the motion by voice vote. The court’s action applies to federal, state and county races; local city and school canvasses remain the responsibility of those local entities.
The court did not alter the reported totals in open session. Officials said any recount requests must follow the statutory deadline cited at the canvass.
