The Texas Secretary of State’s Office has announced that approximately $10 million in federal grant funding for Texas election security is now available to help counties across the state strengthen election security. The funding comes from the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and is intended to support essential upgrades and safeguards that will improve the integrity and reliability of the voting process.
All 254 Texas counties, including Austin County, are eligible to apply. Grant amounts will be determined based on the number of registered voters in each county, and all participating counties are required to provide a 20 percent funding match.
Key Priorities for Grant Funding
The grant is aimed at helping counties enhance various aspects of election security. Funding may be used for:
- Implementing or upgrading paper audit trails
- Replacing outdated or decertified electronic pollbooks
- Installing or enhancing video surveillance systems to monitor and protect ballot areas
- Securing election equipment and supplies from tampering or unauthorized access
- Upgrading IT infrastructure and related services to support secure election operations
Important Dates and Requirements
Counties must submit their grant applications by June 30, 2025, and award announcements are expected by August 1, 2025. To qualify, counties are required to pass a resolution through their commissioners court and provide detailed documentation on how the funds will be used to enhance election security.
A Step Toward Safer Texas Elections
This initiative reflects a broader effort by state officials to invest in the long-term security and credibility of Texas elections. By supporting local election administrators with updated tools and technology, the state hopes to ensure a safe, transparent, and trustworthy voting process for all Texans.
More information about the grant program and application materials can be found at sos.texas.gov.
