Texas Senate Bill SB931

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/27/25

Caption

Relating to the process of canvassing elections.

Impact

The proposed changes would grant additional verification processes for the county clerks, preventing them from delivering county returns to the secretary of state until the precinct-level data has been confirmed. This suggests a step toward bolstering election integrity and may deter potential errors in vote reporting. Furthermore, the requirement for the secretary of state to post and verify returns on an official website aims to promote transparency in the electoral process by providing accessible information to the public.

Summary

SB931 is a legislative measure aimed at refining the process of canvassing elections in Texas. It encompasses specific amendments to the Election Code, particularly focusing on the responsibilities of the canvassing authority and the procedures for comparing precinct returns with tally lists. By mandating the canvassing authority to examine discrepancies in vote totals, the bill seeks to enhance the accuracy and reliability of election outcomes, ensuring that any inconsistencies are addressed before the final counts are reported.

Contention

While the bill appears to be a positive move towards ensuring election accuracy, some concerns may arise around the feasibility of these processes, particularly during high-turnout elections. The additional steps required for verification might extend the timeline for certifying election results, which could lead to debates about the efficiency and practicality of implementing such stringent measures. The separate provisions for immediate effect versus those taking effect later also introduce discussions about the urgency and necessity of these changes within the context of the current electoral landscape.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

• Chapter 67. Canvassing Elections
  • Section: New Section