Texas House Bill HB704

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to renewing the application to receive ballots to be voted by mail for certain elections held during a calendar year.

Impact

By enacting HB 704, the state aims to enhance voter participation by simplifying the mail-in voting application process. This legislation could potentially increase accessibility for voters who may find it challenging to repeatedly apply for mail-in ballots each election cycle, especially the elderly or those with disabilities. Additionally, by integrating the ballot application with the voting process, it promotes a more organized approach to mail-in voting, potentially decreasing the chances of ballots being rejected due to improper applications.

Summary

House Bill 704 is designed to streamline the process for voters in Texas to renew their application to receive ballots to be voted by mail for elections occurring within an even-numbered year. The bill amends several sections of the Texas Election Code to ensure that a voter who has previously applied and qualifies to receive mail-in ballots is automatically provided with the necessary application for subsequent elections. The proposed changes facilitate the voting process by requiring minimal action from voters, primarily a signature and date confirmation, along with an indication of participation in political party primaries, if applicable.

Contention

While proponents of HB 704 argue that it reduces bureaucratic hurdles for voters and promotes higher voter turnout, detractors may voice concerns over the security and integrity of mail-in voting. There could be discussions around the potential for misuse of the pre-printed applications if adequate safeguards are not implemented to ensure that only eligible voters are facilitated through this process. The balance between improving accessibility while maintaining election integrity could serve as a point of contention during legislative discussions.