Texas House Bill HB995

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/11
• Introduced: 1/28/11
• Voted on by House: 5/15/11
• Refer: 2/28/11
• Report Pass: 4/18/11
• Engrossed: 5/15/11
• Refer: 5/16/11

Caption

Relating to provision by the secretary of state of notice to a candidate of the form of the candidate's name that will appear on the general election ballot.

Impact

The introduction of this bill is significant as it updates the Election Code to improve candidate communication with the Secretary of State's office. By implementing such a notice system, the bill seeks to minimize errors related to the candidates' names, which can have implications for voter recognition and overall electoral fairness. The requirement for prior notice empowers candidates to ensure their names are correctly listed, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. This change might also lead to increased trust in the electoral system as candidates feel more supported and informed regarding their participation.

Summary

House Bill 995 aims to enhance the transparency and clarity surrounding the certification of candidates' names on general election ballots. It mandates that the Secretary of State must provide candidates with an email notice detailing the exact form in which their names will appear on the ballot. This additional communication is required to be sent at least 30 days before the certification date, thus ensuring that candidates have ample opportunity to review and correct any discrepancies in the name displayed. The bill emphasizes accurate representation of candidates on the ballot, potentially reducing misunderstandings during elections.

Contention

While the bill addresses a practical concern regarding ballot representation, discussions around HB 995 could reveal points of contention regarding its implementation. Potential criticisms may arise concerning the effectiveness and efficiency of the notice system and whether it addresses other pressing issues within the electoral process. Furthermore, opponents may question whether the new obligations on the Secretary of State could lead to unintended bureaucratic delays or burdens that impact timely ballot preparation. Overall, the reception of this bill could hinge on ensuring that it genuinely enhances the electoral process without causing additional complications.