AUSTIN, TX — In a significant step toward strengthening election integrity across the state, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson has announced the launch of a new election security grant program aimed at supporting all 254 counties in securing their electoral processes.
Backed by approximately $10 million in federal funding from the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), the program is designed to help local election officials implement enhanced security measures ahead of upcoming election cycles. Grant allocations will be based on each county’s number of registered voters and will require a 20% local match from the county.
“These grants will go a long way toward helping counties better secure their elections, and I’m pleased to partner with counties to promote election security throughout Texas,” said Secretary Nelson.
Key Funding Priorities
The program outlines several areas where counties can allocate funds, including:
- Ensuring compliance with paper audit trail requirements
- Replacing decertified electronic pollbooks
- Installing video surveillance systems to meet ballot security mandates
- Enhancing the protection of election equipment and supplies
- Upgrading IT services to bolster cybersecurity
Each county must submit a grant application by June 30, 2025, along with a resolution from its commissioners court. The application must also detail how the requested funds will be used to improve election security. Grant awards are expected to be announced by August 1, 2025.
The new grant initiative reflects growing concerns at both the state and national levels over the integrity of election infrastructure and follows ongoing efforts by Texas officials to safeguard voting systems from external threats and technical vulnerabilities.
“Texas voters deserve free and secure elections,” Nelson said. “These grants will help ensure that security for many election cycles to come.”
For more information on the election security grant program and application procedures, county officials are encouraged to visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.texas.gov.
