Texas House Bill HB2728

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to automatic voter registration on issuance or change of a driver's license or identification card by the Department of Public Safety.

Impact

If enacted, HB2728 will amend existing provisions of the Texas Election Code to mandate that counties automatically register individuals eligible to vote when they apply for or change their driver's license or identification card. This amendment aims to eliminate unnecessary steps in the voter registration process and increase efficiency. The bill's implementation could substantially raise voter registration numbers, particularly benefiting younger voters or first-time voters who may not be aware of the registration requirements and processes.

Summary

House Bill 2728 aims to streamline the voter registration process in Texas by implementing automatic voter registration upon the issuance or modification of a driver's license or personal identification card by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). This bill is designed to enhance participation in elections by ensuring that eligible residents are registered to vote conveniently as they engage with the state’s identification services. The proposed changes represent a significant effort to simplify the voter registration process and increase the number of registered voters, particularly among groups who may face barriers to registration.

Contention

While proponents argue that the automatic registration system is a positive step towards improving voter turnout and making registration more accessible, opponents may raise concerns regarding the security and accuracy of automatically registered information. Issues such as potential inaccuracies in voter registration data stemming from state vs. local agency information could generate debate. Additionally, the bill might encounter pushback from individuals who believe that automatic systems may diminish the personal choice around voter registration.