Texas House Bill HB1817

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to assistance provided to a person applying for an early voting ballot or voting an early voting ballot by mail; increasing a criminal penalty.

Impact

The legislation envisions clearer guidelines and stipulations for those who assist voters, requiring them to sign oaths affirming that they will not influence the voter's decisions. These personalization disclosures aim to foster transparency and accountability in the voting process. The bill's provisions also include requirements for assistants to document their identity and the nature of assistance on the carrier envelope, which aids in ensuring compliance and tracking the legitimacy of votes.

Summary

House Bill 1817 focuses on the process of assistance provided to individuals applying for or voting an early voting ballot by mail. The bill proposes amendments to the Election Code, specifically updating how assistance is administered and resulting in stronger penalties for violations. One of the key changes is the reclassification of offenses from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony, which indicates a significant increase in the seriousness of offenses related to improper assistance during the voting process. This is aimed at deterring fraudulent activity and ensuring the integrity of the electoral system.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB 1817 is the potential for increased penalties for assisting voters. Critics argue that the criminalization of assistance may dissuade individuals from helping those in need, particularly the elderly or disabled, who may require aid in navigating the voting process. Proponents of the bill argue that the need for such strict measures is essential to protect the integrity of elections and prevent any form of voter manipulation. Balancing assistance and preventing voter fraud remains a critical discussion point as this bill is deliberated.