05/16/2026
Hello friends, family, and fellow Martinsville residents!
With the statewide elections now behind us, many people may not realize that our municipal elections are coming in 2027 — and I wanted to take a moment to officially introduce myself and begin this journey with our community.
My name is Grace Terrell, and I am honored to currently serve as the Martinsville City Court Judge after being appointed by Governor Braun on September 4, 2025. I am excited to announce that I will be seeking election to continue serving our community in 2027.
Martinsville is home to my family, my career, and so many people I deeply care about. Over the coming months, I look forward to connecting with residents, listening to your concerns, supporting local events, and having conversations about how we can continue building a strong, fair, and respectful community.
Many people commonly refer to the Martinsville City Court as “traffic court,” but the court also handles lower-level misdemeanors and city ordinance violations. One of the greatest strengths of the city court is its ability to resolve many matters efficiently and fairly without lengthy litigation, while still ensuring accountability and respect for the law.
The court handles matters such as traffic infractions, driving while suspended cases, ordinance violations, and other misdemeanor offenses that can often be addressed in a timely and constructive manner. Through lawful diversion and deferral programs, qualifying individuals may have opportunities to avoid additional penalties, take responsibility for their actions, and move forward in a positive direction.
What I appreciate most about the city court is its unique ability to balance accountability with compassion. The court plays an important role in helping individuals address mistakes, meet their obligations, and get back on their feet, while continuing to protect public safety and serve the community fairly and efficiently.
I believe our local courts should reflect professionalism, integrity, accountability, and compassion — values that matter in every interaction and every case that comes before the court.
Although Election Day may feel far away, municipal elections have a direct impact on our everyday lives here at home, and I’m excited to begin earning your trust and support.
Thank you for being here, and I look forward to this journey together.
— Grace Terrell
Martinsville City Court Judge