Texas Senate Bill SB690

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the use of a mechanical or electronic device by a person occupying a voting station.

Impact

The introduction of SB690 reflects a growing concern for voter rights and election integrity. By permitting the photographing of completed ballots, the bill seeks to balance the need for confidentiality at polling places with the desire for voters to hold tangible evidence of their casting choices. The bill could potentially increase voter confidence in the electoral process, as individuals would have the ability to verify their selections and address any discrepancies that might arise.

Summary

SB690 aims to regulate the use of mechanical or electronic devices by individuals present at a voting station, specifically allowing those individuals to photograph their completed ballots. This bill amends existing provisions in the Election Code to clarify that while the use of certain recording devices is generally prohibited within 100 feet of a voting station, individuals may capture images of their own ballots. This move is intended to give voters the ability to maintain records of their votes for personal verification, thereby enhancing the transparency of the voting process.

Contention

While the bill has positive implications for voter empowerment, it also raises several points of contention. Critics could argue that allowing voters to take pictures of their ballots may unintentionally compromise the anonymity of the voting process and lead to issues related to voter coercion or intimidation. Questions may also arise regarding how this practice could be monitored and enforced to prevent misuse or threats to the integrity of the voting process. Thus, while SB690 could enhance personal voter verification, it also requires careful consideration of its potential ramifications on overall election integrity.