Relating to the cancellation of a person's voter registration on notice that the person has acknowledged that the person is not a citizen; providing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.
The implementation of SB960 is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning voter registration and election management. It aims to enhance the integrity of the voter registration process by ensuring that noncitizens are not eligible to vote. By mandating immediate cancellation of registrations linked to noncitizen acknowledgment, the bill seeks to uphold the lawfulness of the voting system in Texas. Additionally, the heavy penalties attached to noncompliance may serve as a strong deterrent against negligence by local registrars.
SB960 is a legislative bill concerning the cancellation of voter registrations when an individual acknowledges that they are not a U.S. citizen. This bill amends the Election Code, specifically Section 16.031, to establish that registrars must cancel a voter's registration immediately upon receiving notice that the individual is noncitizen. Furthermore, it introduces civil penalties for voter registrars who fail to act according to these stipulations, as well as criminal penalties for willful non-compliance.
Notably, the bill has been met with contention regarding its implications for voter disenfranchisement and bureaucratic overreach. Critics argue that the measures could lead to the wrongful cancellation of voter registrations, particularly in communities where citizenship status is misreported or misunderstood. Furthermore, the civil penalty framework raises concerns among opponents who fear that registrars may be pressured to act without sufficient evidence, potentially undermining the trust in election officials.
SB960 establishes a structured protocol for how a voter's citizenship status is verified and processed, which includes regular comparisons of data from various governmental sources to maintain accurate voter rolls. Stakeholders are divided on its necessity and effectiveness, with proponents insisting it aligns with preserving election integrity while opponents highlight the risks of alienating eligible voters.