Sample Ballots

Did you know that you can't use your cell phone inside the room where voting is taking place in Texas? It's State Law, mainly to protect you from people taking photos of you or your ballot.  Luckily, you can bring written notes or a printed sample ballot with you to help you remember how you want to vote.
 

That's why we recommend taking a few minutes before Election Day to look at your sample ballot, learn what's going to be on it, and make your voting plan. You don't have to make every decision while you're standing in the voting booth! You don't want any surprises!
 

Step 1: Find Your Precinct

First, you'll need to know your voter registration precinct. You can find your precinct number on your Voter Registration Certificate, or you can check your registration online at VoteTexas.gov by selecting “Am I Registered?”
 

Your precinct number is important because your precinct determines which ballot you will receive.

Step 2: Find Your Sample Ballot

Once you know your precinct, visit the Bell County Elections website and find the sample ballot for your precinct.  Follow this link go to the Bell County Elections Department's Sample Ballot List.

Download or print the sample ballot for your precinct so you can review.

Step 2b: Why Are There Multiple Sample Ballots for my Precinct?
 

Some Bell County precincts have more than one version of the sample ballot. This is because voters in the same precinct may live in different school districts, outside city limits, or within other special districts.

For example, the cities of Nolanville and Killeen have local propositions on the ballot this year. If you live outside the city limits, those propositions will not appear on your ballot.
 

You'll see abbreviations in the sample ballot listings that identify some of these different ballot styles. We've provided a list of the codes below to help explain what they mean.

Please note: The codes can explain why there are different ballot versions, but they may not tell you which ballot applies to your specific address.
 

Sample Ballot Codes

BISD - Bartlett Independent School District 
CCISD - Copperas Cove Independent School District 
CW -- County Wide, this often means if the other ballot isn't the correct one for you this is, such as  areas outside city limits

ESD3 - Emergency Services District 3 
FISD - Florence Independent School District
HISD - Holland Independent School District

KIL - City of Killeen - ballot propositions for the city of Killeen

NOL - City of Nolanville - ballot propositions for the city of Nolanville

SRM1 - Solana Ranch Municipal Utility District 1

TEM - City of Temple  - ballot propositions for the city of Temple​

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Still confused?  Call the Bell County Elections Department at (254) 933-5774 and they will assist you in finding the correct ballot for your address!
 

Step 3: Do Your Homework!

Now you have time to look at everything that will appear on your ballot. Take your time. Look up the candidates. Read about the propositions and other measures. Learn what each race is about and decide how you want to vote before you arrive at the polls.
 

Our 2026 Candidates page can help you get started. We've provided links to the websites of Democratic candidates so you can learn more about the people asking for your vote.

 

Step 4: Make Yourself a Voting Cheat Sheet

Once you've decided how you want to vote, write it down or print your sample  ballot and bring it with you. You won't be able to pull out your phone and check your notes once you're inside the voting room, so don't rely on your phone to remember your choices. A handwritten list or printed sample ballot is perfectly fine.

And don't worry about memorizing everything! That's what your notes are for!

 

Vote All the Way Down Your Ballot

We encourage you to vote all the way down your ballot!  There may be important local races and ballot measures near the bottom that don't get nearly as much attention as the big races at the top. Your vote matters in every race, from the highest office on the ballot to the local offices that directly affect your community. Sometimes your vote means even MORE in the local races!
 

Don't stop when you get to the first race you don't recognize. Take the time to learn about every race on your ballot and make an informed choice.
 

A little preparation makes voting a whole lot easier!

 

• Know your precinct.

• Find your sample ballot.

• Learn about the candidates and issues.

• Write down your choices.

• Then go get your "I Voted" Sticker!!