Texas House Bill HB70

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to automatic voter registration on issuance or change of a driver's license or identification card by the Department of Public Safety.

Impact

The bill modifies existing election laws by establishing a protocol where every eligible voter will be registered unless they explicitly state otherwise. It amends the Election Code to ensure that the transaction of obtaining or updating a driver's license or identification card serves as the basis for voter registration. This means that substantial administrative changes will need to take place within the DPS to accommodate this new requirement, including the development of combined forms and electronic transfer systems to communicate voter registrations to state election officials.

Summary

House Bill 70 introduces a system of automatic voter registration in Texas, whereby residents will be automatically registered to vote upon the issuance or change of their driver's licenses or personal identification cards by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). This bill aims to simplify the voter registration process, providing a seamless integration between obtaining a driver's license or ID and registering to vote, which proponents argue will enhance voter participation and streamline administrative efforts.

Contention

While HB70 seeks to modernize and simplify the voter registration process, it may raise concerns regarding privacy and the accuracy of voter rolls. Critics may argue that automatic registration could unintentionally include ineligible voters or lead to complications in voter identity verification. Moreover, the effectiveness of the bill in increasing voter participation can be debated, as some may believe that enhanced outreach and education on voting processes may be more effective than an automated system.