Texas Senate Bill SB45

Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Caption

Relating to electronic voter registration and electronic submission of an application for an early voting ballot by mail.

Impact

The adoption of SB45 is expected to enhance accessibility and convenience for voters, particularly those who may find it challenging to register through traditional methods. By facilitating online registration and application submission, the bill aims to increase voter turnout and engagement. This shift reflects a broader trend towards digitizing governmental processes, which proponents argue will lead to more efficient election management.

Summary

Senate Bill 45 introduces significant changes to the Texas Election Code by allowing electronic voter registration and the electronic submission of applications for early voting ballots. This act mandates the Secretary of State to implement a program that enables individuals to register to vote over the Internet through Texas's official state website. Additionally, it requires that the applications must include proper consent for using electronic signatures, essentially integrating modern technology into the voting process to streamline participation.

Contention

Notably, there are points of contention surrounding the security and integrity of electronically submitted applications. Critics express concern about the potential for fraud and unauthorized access to sensitive voter information. However, the bill stipulates the need for additional security measures to be put in place, which could alleviate some fears but still raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures in practice. The balance between accessibility and security will be a critical topic as the bill moves forward.