Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1926

Caption

Relating to the procedures for accepting certain voters without photo identification; providing for additional elements and prosecutorial authority to related offenses.

Impact

The implementation of SB1926 would affect how voters are accepted at polling places across Texas. By broadening the conditions under which a provisional ballot can be cast, the bill aims to make voting more accessible to individuals who may struggle with ID requirements. This could lead to increased voter participation among demographics that are disproportionately affected by strict identification laws, such as the elderly and low-income individuals. However, the bill also mandates that election officials are equipped to handle these affidavits accurately and ensure that the integrity of the voting process is upheld.

Summary

SB1926 seeks to amend the Election Code regarding voting procedures, particularly focusing on how voters without photo identification can be accepted. This bill requires election officials to recognize certain forms of identification and allows for a reasonable impediment affidavit. Voters who cannot provide a standard form of ID can still cast their vote provisionally if they affirm that they face reasonable obstacles in obtaining the required identification. The adjustments aim to enhance voter access while maintaining election integrity.

Contention

Notably, SB1926 has encountered some contention regarding the potential for misuse of the reasonable impediment affidavit. Critics argue that this could lead to instances of voter fraud or abuse of the provisional voting procedure. However, supporters of the bill counter that having a reasonable impediment affidavit in place is a necessary compromise to increase voter access while still incorporating a framework for accountability. The bill also establishes provisions for prosecuting false statements made under the affidavit, ensuring that there are protections against fraudulent claims.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB116

Relating to requiring a voter to present proof of identification.

TX HB3748

Relating to ensuring access to the right to vote by all eligible voters.

TX HB676

Relating to the procedures for voting after changing residence to another county.

TX SB93

Relating to the registration of voters at a polling place and related procedures.

TX HB1020

Relating to the acceptance of identification for voters who identify as transgender.

TX SB2433

Relating to certain election practices and procedures; increasing a criminal penalty; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB1270

Relating to the registration of voters at a polling place and related procedures.

TX HB2498

Relating to the conduct and administration of elections; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB1477

Relating to the issuance and acceptance of a high school student identification card and certain other forms of identification as identification for voting.

TX HB241

Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.

Similar Bills

MI SB0120

Elections: voting procedures; process for voting without identification for election purposes; modify to include proof of identity and proof of state residency. Amends secs. 523, 523a, 813 & 829 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.523 et seq.).

MI SB1034

MI HB4227

Elections: qualified voter file; most recent digitized photographic image of an elector to be contained in the qualified vote file; require, and require election officials to compare the digitized photographic image of an elector to that elector before voting. Amends secs. 509q, 509gg, 509hh, 523, 813 & 829 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.509q et seq.).