Relating to early voting in a primary or general election for state and county officers.
Impact
The legislation is poised to significantly impact voter access and participation in elections across Texas. By allowing early voting on weekends, the bill aims to increase accessibility, particularly for individuals who may have scheduling conflicts during standard voting hours on weekdays. This change could potentially lead to higher voter turnout, which has been a consistent goal of various stakeholder groups advocating for expanded voting rights and accessibility.
Summary
House Bill 3878 focuses on amendments to the Texas Election Code, specifically addressing the provisions for early voting in primary and general elections for state and county officers. The bill lays out conditions under which early voting can be held on weekends, namely Saturdays and Sundays, potentially facilitating increased voter participation. Under this bill, the authority responsible for ordering elections has the discretion to allow early voting during weekends within designated hours, ensuring that voters have more opportunities to cast their ballots ahead of the official election days.
Contention
While the bill is generally seen as a positive step towards increasing voter participation, it is not without its detractors. Some concerns arise around the feasibility of implementing weekend voting, particularly in terms of staffing polling places and ensuring the security and integrity of the voting process over these additional days. Furthermore, there may be political implications, as the bill's impact on turnout could vary depending on the demographic characteristics of the areas where the extended voting hours are implemented.
Relating to allowing a person who will be 18 years of age on the date of the general election for state and county officers to vote in the preceding primary elections.