Texas Senate Bill SB268

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/12/08

Caption

Relating to the cancellation of the voter registrations of persons who are not United States citizens.

Impact

The enactment of SB268 is poised to reinforce state laws governing voter eligibility and registration, particularly as it pertains to citizenship status. By creating a direct connection between jury duty eligibility and voter registration, the bill effectively streamlines processes for maintaining authorized voter lists. This change may lead to a significant number of voter registrations being canceled, as disqualifications due to citizenship status are formally acknowledged and acted upon within the electoral framework of Texas.

Summary

SB268 aims to address voter registration processes in Texas by mandating the cancellation of voter registrations for individuals who are not United States citizens. The bill specifically alters existing sections of the Government Code and Election Code related to the voter registration and jury duty requirements. Under the new provisions, when a person is excused from jury duty due to a lack of citizenship, their voter registration will automatically be canceled, following the notification from the jury duty process. This means that voter registrars will receive a list of disqualified individuals from the Secretary of State to enact the cancellations accordingly.

Contention

However, the provisions of SB268 are not without controversy. Detractors of the bill argue that it could lead to unjust disenfranchisement of eligible voters, particularly among communities where documentation of citizenship may not be readily available or where bureaucratic errors may occur. Concerns have been voiced about potential overreach in enforcing stricter voting requirements and how these measures may disproportionately affect certain populations. Furthermore, some advocate for the protection of voter rights and question the necessity of linking jury duty attendance to voter eligibility in a manner that could complicate electoral participation.