Relating to creating the criminal offense of pre-filling an application for a ballot to be voted by mail.
If HB2320 is enacted, it will amend the Texas Election Code by adding a provision that criminalizes the act of pre-filling mail-in ballot applications. Such a change will have implications for how voters can receive and submit their applications, potentially deterring individuals from helping others navigate the mail-in voting process. With a penalty classified as a state jail felony, the bill seeks to reinforce the state’s commitment to the integrity of the electoral process.
House Bill 2320 aims to establish a new criminal offense for pre-filling applications for mail-in ballots in Texas. Specifically, it makes it illegal for individuals to indicate eligibility grounds for early voting on these applications and to distribute them to applicants with the intent of submission. This bill represents a legislative effort to regulate the process of voting by mail, which has become a significant topic in electoral discussions, especially after recent changes to voting laws across the country.
The sentiments surrounding HB2320 appear to be divided along partisan lines. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to prevent fraud and maintain the integrity of the election process. They assert that restricting the pre-filling of applications will ensure that only eligible voters are obtaining and submitting ballots. Conversely, critics of the bill view it as an unnecessary restriction that may hinder legitimate assistance for voters, particularly those who may require help due to age, disability, or language barriers.
Notable points of contention surrounding HB2320 include concerns regarding voter accessibility and the implications for communities that rely on support from family or volunteers to ensure that ballots are completed correctly. Opponents argue that labeling such assistance as criminal can discourage voter participation and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations who may struggle with the application process. The bill’s provisions raise questions about balancing election integrity with the need to provide accessible voting opportunities for all citizens.