87S20410 SLB-D
By: Swanson H.B. No. 132
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to an option on ballots to choose not to vote in a race.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 52, Election Code, is
amended by adding Section 52.0685 to read as follows:
Sec. 52.0685. OPTION TO AFFIRMATIVELY CHOOSE NOT TO VOTE.
(a) Voters shall be given the opportunity to select "I choose not to
vote in this race" instead of voting for the candidates appearing on
the ballot or the list of write-in candidates for each race.
(b) The secretary of state shall prescribe the form and
manner of placing the option "I choose not to vote in this race" on
the ballot.
SECTION 2. Section 52.070(b), Election Code, as effective
September 1, 2021, is amended to read as follows:
(b) Immediately below "OFFICIAL BALLOT," the following
instruction shall be printed: "Vote for the candidate of your
choice in each race by placing an 'X' or filling in the shape beside
the candidate's name, or by placing an 'X' or filling in the shape
beside 'I choose not to vote in this race'."
SECTION 3. Section 52.070, Election Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
(b-1) A shape shall be printed to the left of the option "I
choose not to vote in this race" for each office to be voted on in
the election.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect December 1, 2021.