Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3068

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the qualification of certain candidates for placement on the ballot.

Impact

The changes introduced by HB 3068 are expected to have a considerable effect on how candidates collect signatures for their nomination petitions. By allowing for electronic signatures, the bill opens the door for more candidates to participate in elections, particularly those who may face challenges gathering physical signatures in person. The requirement specifying that candidates can collect signatures equaling up to 150 percent of the required amount through the online system is indicative of its intent to encourage greater participation.

Summary

House Bill 3068 aims to refine the processes by which candidates qualify for placement on the ballot in Texas. The bill makes significant amendments to various sections of the Election Code, particularly focusing on the requirements for petitions submitted by candidates and political parties seeking to have their nominees listed on the general election ballot. One of the notable changes includes the introduction of an electronic method for acquiring signatures which is expected to streamline the process and improve accessibility for voters wishing to support candidates.

Contention

While many proponents argue the bill enhances democratic engagement by making it easier for candidates to qualify for the ballot, critics may raise concerns regarding the security and integrity of electronically collected signatures. There has been a broader conversation surrounding the balance between facilitating access to the electoral process and maintaining strict standards to prevent possible misconduct in the candidate nomination process. As the political landscape evolves, discussions on how these changes will affect smaller parties versus established ones are also anticipated.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB993

Relating to the process of applying for a place on a ballot.

TX HB3046

Relating to the omission of a deceased candidate from the ballot in certain elections.

TX SB932

Relating to the declaration of a candidate's ineligibility and to the prohibition of the candidate's placement on the ballot.

TX HB239

Relating to requiring a voter to be affiliated with a political party to vote in that party's primary election or otherwise participate in that party's affairs; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB221

Relating to requirements for certain petitions requesting an election and ballot propositions.

TX HB1112

Relating to preferential voting in a primary election.

TX SB1124

Relating to qualifications of a sheriff or a candidate for sheriff.

TX SB2532

Relating to certain ballot access requirements.

TX HB3477

Relating to qualifications of a sheriff or a candidate for sheriff.

TX HB190

Relating to requirements for certain petitions requesting an election and ballot propositions and to related procedures and provisions.

Similar Bills

TX HB4439

Relating to the qualification of certain candidates for placement on the ballot.

SD SB13

Revise the process for nominating candidates for the offices of lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.

KY HB688

AN ACT relating to elections.

ME LD1702

An Act to Amend Election Polling Place Candidate Restrictions

KY HB472

AN ACT relating to elections.

UT SB0054

Appearance of Candidate Name on Ballot

SD SB40

Revise the process for nominating candidates for lieutenant governor and to make related technical changes.

SD HB1198

Revise the process for nominating candidates for the offices of lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.