AUSTIN (KXAN) — When you show up to the polls to cast a vote, some races on the ballot will be obvious. President, senator and governor, for example, are all pretty self-explanatory.
But several of the down-ballot races may not be so clear, particularly if you’re not sure what that position actually does.
Here’s a look at some of those races, to help you make informed decisions before casting your vote. The information comes from the Texas Association of Counties.
County attorney
A county attorney is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor crimes. The office also obtains protective orders for victims of family and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and trafficking. The county attorney also provides legal advice to the Commissioners Court and other local elected officials.
In some instances, the county attorney and district attorney offices are combined.
County clerk
A county clerk serves as the custodian of records for the Commissioners Court. They are the custodian of public records, such as bonds, deeds and birth and death certificates. The office also issues marriage licenses. The county clerk can also serve as the chief elections officer if a county doesn’t have an elections administrator.
In most counties with fewer than 8,000 residents, the county clerk and district clerk offices are combined.
County judge and commissioners
Just like a city has council members, a county government has county commissioners. The county judge is sort of equivalent to a mayor, while commissioners are akin to city council members.
Collectively as the Commissioners Court, the county judge and commissioners conduct the general business of a county, such as adopting the budget and tax rate, setting salaries and benefits and filling vacancies in elected and appointed offices.
County constable
County constables are licensed peace officers and perform various law enforcement functions. Examples include serving warrants, subpoenas and protective orders. They can also issue traffic citations.
County treasurer
A county treasurer is responsible for all county revenues. As such, they prepare the county payroll, disburse funds based on allocations made by the Commissioners Court, record receipts and expenditures and act as chief liaison between the county and depository banks.
In some cases, the county treasurer may also act as the county’s HR officer, employee benefits coordinator, risk manager and insurance coordinator.
District attorney
A district attorney is responsible for prosecuting felony criminal cases. They work with law enforcement in the investigation of cases before presenting them to a grand jury. District attorneys also represent victims of violence in protective orders and represent the state in removing children from abusive households.
In some instances, the county attorney and district attorney offices are combined.
District clerk
The district clerk is the custodian of all records for district courts. They are responsible for collecting filing fees and handling funds held in litigation, as well as money awarded to minors. The office also coordinates the jury summons and selection process. In some cases, the office also processes passport applications.
In most counties with fewer than 8,000 residents, the county clerk and district clerk offices are combined.
District judge
District judges preside over felony cases in criminal district courts. According to the Texas Judicial Branch, district courts also have jurisdiction over divorce cases, land title cases, election contest cases and civil matters where damages are more than $200.
Justice of the peace
A justice of the peace (JP) presides over a justice court in cases involving misdemeanors, civil cases up to $20,000, truancy and landlord/tenant disputes. They also hear traffic cases and other Class C misdemeanors that are punishable by fine only. A JP can also conduct marriage ceremonies.
Sheriff
The sheriff is responsible for enforcing criminal laws in the county. They manage and operate the county jail, provide security for courts and serve warrants as well as civil papers.
Tax assessor-collector
The tax assessor-collector calculates the property tax rate within the county and collects the taxes. They also issue vehicle registration and licenses and process vehicle title transfers. The office also registers voters and in some instances conducts elections.