Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1198

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to an application for a ballot to be voted by mail.

Impact

The implications of HB 1198 are notable as it seeks to enhance voting accessibility for individuals who are either elderly or have disabilities. By allowing voters to request mail-in ballots for multiple elections in one application, the bill aims to reduce the administrative burden associated with frequent requests. It also reflects an effort to encourage broader participation in the electoral process by making it simpler for those who may face challenges in voting in person.

Summary

House Bill 1198 addresses the application process for requesting ballots to be voted by mail, particularly focusing on provisions for voters based on age or disability. The bill, as amended in the Election Code, allows voters to indicate in their applications that they wish to receive mail-in ballots for all elections that occur before the end of the calendar year following their application submission. This represents a significant shift in how voters can engage with upcoming elections, streamlining their access to mail-in voting over a defined timeframe.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it promotes inclusivity and encourages voter participation, there may be concerns regarding the security and integrity of mail-in voting. Critics might express skepticism about the potential for increased fraud or complications arising from bulk mail-in ballot requests. The balance between facilitating access and ensuring election security is a central point of contention that will likely be debated as the bill moves through legislative processes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1943

Relating to annual applications for ballots to be voted by mail.

TX SB1599

Relating to ballots voted by mail.

TX HB4560

Relating to ballots voted by mail and the prosecution of the offense of unlawful solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.

TX HB3449

Relating to ballots voted by mail.

TX HB2860

Relating to maintaining certain voter registration information and reviewing ballots voted by mail; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB2430

Relating to the ability of a volunteer deputy registrar to distribute and receive applications for a ballot to be voted by mail.

TX HB241

Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.

TX SB120

Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.

TX HB502

Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.

TX HB67

Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.