Texas House Bill HB3302

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the order of names of certain candidates on a ballot.

Impact

The modifications introduced by HB 3302 would directly affect the procedures governing election ballots in Texas. By mandating a random determination of candidate name order, the bill seeks to enhance the electoral process's integrity, promoting impartiality and equality among candidates. The change is particularly relevant in ensuring that all candidates receive equal visibility regardless of their perceived standing or associated party affiliations. With this shift, the bill aims to eliminate any advantage that may arise from a candidate's position on the ballot.

Summary

House Bill 3302 addresses the order in which candidates' names appear on election ballots in Texas. The bill amends the Election Code to establish that the order of names will be determined randomly for elections where multiple candidates compete for the same office, particularly in cases that do not include party nominees. This change aims to ensure fairness and create a more balanced representation of candidates on ballots, preventing any biases related to name order that might influence voter decisions.

Contention

While overall reception of the bill has been positive among proponents advocating for electoral fairness, potential areas of contention may arise concerning the implementation of the randomization process. Stakeholders may question the practicality of executing random draws or the criteria set forth for such draws and how they may vary across different jurisdictions within Texas. Additionally, there may be discussions about how this change interacts with existing procedures and whether local election officials are adequately prepared for the transition.