Texas Senate Bill SB35

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to automatic voter registration of students enrolled in public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The passage of SB35 would amend the Texas Election Code, designating each public higher education institution as a voter registration agency. This change would create a streamlined process for students, where their enrollment applications could simultaneously serve as voter registration requests, subject to specific guidelines set forth by the Secretary of State. The bill could potentially lead to a significant increase in registered students, thereby shaping future electoral outcomes in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 35 (SB35) proposes automatic voter registration for students enrolled in public institutions of higher education in Texas. The legislation requires voter registrars to automatically register eligible county residents who are students at these institutions, simplifying the process for young voters. This initiative aims to increase voter participation among college students, a demographic that traditionally has low turnout rates in elections.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB35 may center on the implications of automatic voter registration, particularly regarding concerns about administrative burdens on educational institutions and the potential for unintended errors in the registration process. Supporters argue that the bill facilitates civic engagement and empowers young citizens, while critics may worry about the accuracy of registrations and the need for additional safeguards to ensure that students who do not wish to register are not enrolled automatically.