Texas House Bill HB167

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the elements of the offense of illegal voting.

Impact

The proposed changes are intended to clarify and enforce existing laws related to voting eligibility and the integrity of the electoral process in Texas. Supporters of the bill argue that it strengthens election security and ensures that only eligible voters can participate in elections. The inclusion of provisional ballots as a safeguard allows individuals who may doubt their eligibility to still have a chance to vote while also protecting the integrity of the election by requiring verification.

Summary

House Bill 167 revises the elements of the offense of illegal voting under Texas Election Code. The bill defines illegal voting in several ways, including voting when not eligible, voting more than once, voting using another person's ballot, or marking another person's ballot without consent. Notably, the bill introduces an exception to the offense of voting while ineligible, provided that the individual casts a provisional ballot in accordance with the necessary regulations and does not make false statements on the related affidavit.

Contention

While proponents emphasize the need for stricter laws against illegal voting to uphold election integrity, opponents may view the bill as unnecessary or potentially punitive towards those who make honest mistakes regarding their voting eligibility. Critics argue that the introduction of harsh penalties for actions they consider to be minor infractions could disenfranchise eligible voters who could otherwise participate in the electoral process. Furthermore, the potential for confusion around the implementation of provisional ballots raises concerns about voter access.