Texas House Bill HB4500

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to cancellation of all voter registrations following decennial redistricting.

Impact

The bill's provisions would necessitate that every voter who wishes to participate in elections must re-register after the cancellation, which would occur every ten years. This could lead to an increase in the administrative burden on election officials, who would have to manage the significant influx of new registration applications following each cancellation. Furthermore, there could be implications for voter turnout, as those who may not be aware of this requirement could inadvertently miss the opportunity to vote, particularly if they fail to re-register in a timely manner.

Summary

House Bill 4500 proposes a significant change to the Texas voting and registration process by mandating the cancellation of all voter registrations on November 30 of every year that ends in the number one, specifically following the decennial redistricting. This legislative measure is directly aimed at ensuring that all voter registrations reflect the updated district boundaries established after a census. The bill adds a new section to the Texas Election Code to formalize this procedure, which is intended to maintain the integrity of the electoral process in line with new demographic and geographic realities.

Contention

This proposal is expected to generate debate among lawmakers and electoral advocates. Supporters might argue that the bill ensures that the voter rolls accurately reflect current populations and districts, effectively promoting fair representation. However, opposition may arise from concerns that automatic cancellations could disenfranchise voters, particularly those from marginalized communities who might face hurdles in re-registering. There is a potential for this policy to disproportionately affect low-income and minority voters, emphasizing the necessity for public awareness campaigns to mitigate any negative effects on voter access.