Relating to the cancellation of a person's voter registration on notice that the person has acknowledged that the person is not a citizen; providing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.
The enacted provisions would not only streamline the voter registration cancellation process but also introduce civil penalties for registrars who fail to comply. Specifically, registrars could incur financial penalties ranging from $1,000 to $25,500 for noncompliance, depending on whether it is a first or subsequent violation. Additionally, the bill stipulates that registrars found guilty of intentional violations could face removal from office. By implementing these measures, the legislation reinforces state accountability in upholding voter registration laws.
House Bill 4402 proposes amendments to the Texas Election Code focusing on the cancellation of a person's voter registration upon acknowledgment of non-citizenship. This legislation mandates that if a voter affirms they are not a citizen, their registration must be promptly canceled by the relevant registrar. Such action aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that only eligible voters remain registered to vote. The bill introduces a structured process for canceling registrations based on information regarding a voter's citizenship status, which is derived from various government databases and notifications.
There are notable concerns regarding the potential consequences and implications of HB 4402. Critics argue that the bill could lead to disproportionate penalties for election officials and may create an atmosphere of fear among registrars, thus deterring them from making necessary updates regarding citizen status accurately. Furthermore, the legislation's strict penalties may be perceived as an overreach, which undermines the ability of local election officials to manage their responsibilities fairly. The discourse surrounding this bill is indicative of a broader debate on how to balance election security with access and fairness.