Texas Senate Bill SB984

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the residence address of a person for purposes of registration under the Election Code.

Impact

The bill will directly affect voter registration processes and could potentially streamline the identification and verification of voters’ addresses. By providing a clear framework for what constitutes a residence, it reduces ambiguities that can complicate voter registration and the election process. These measures are aimed at preventing fraudulent registrations and ensuring that voters are linked to legitimate addresses within the state, thereby enhancing the integrity of elections.

Summary

Senate Bill 984 aims to clarify the definition of residence for registered voters under the Texas Election Code. The bill specifies how a person's residence is established, primarily through various state-issued identification documents such as driver's licenses and personal identification cards. It also includes provisions for others, establishing residence through mail addresses or ownership of vehicles. This clarity is crucial for ensuring proper voter registration, as it delineates the criteria that will determine a person's registered voting address.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the implementation and compliance with this bill. Some individuals, particularly those without fixed addresses, might face difficulties under the new guidelines, as they need to provide affidavits if their residence does not have a formal address. Additionally, there are concerns about the exclusion of certain groups, such as military personnel and full-time students, which may raise questions about the fairness and accessibility of the voter registration process. Advocates of the bill will need to address these concerns to avoid disenfranchising voters.