Texas House Bill HB2253

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the cancellation of a person's voter registration on notice that the person has acknowledged that the person is not a citizen.

Impact

By amending the Election Code, HB2253 introduces stricter criteria for maintaining the integrity of voter registration in Texas. The bill seeks to streamline the process of voter cancellation to ensure that non-citizens do not inadvertently remain on the voter rolls. It establishes a framework where registrars are required to act swiftly upon receiving relevant information, thereby promoting a more accurate and reliable voter registration list. This could potentially lead to a decrease in voter fraud incidents, bolstering public confidence in the electoral process.

Summary

House Bill 2253 aims to amend the Texas Election Code specifically regarding the process of voter registration cancellation in cases where an individual has acknowledged their non-citizen status. The bill proposes that voter registration should be canceled immediately upon receiving notice that an individual is not a citizen of the United States. This includes notices from various governmental agencies and certain disqualification lists due to citizenship status. This legislative action underscores the state's commitment to ensuring that only eligible voters participate in elections.

Contention

The passage of HB2253 could invoke contentious debates surrounding voting rights and citizenship. Advocates for the bill argue that it is a necessary measure to protect the electoral integrity of Texas, emphasizing the obligation to disallow non-citizen participation in elections. However, opponents may contend that such measures could result in disenfranchising eligible voters inadvertently, particularly in communities where citizenship verification is complex. Moreover, the implications of relying on lists of disqualified individuals for voter registration maintenance could provoke concerns about due process and the criteria under which one might be added to such lists.