Relating to election procedures regarding accepting a voter with a residence address that is not current and the immediate effect of a voter's registration after the registrar's receipt of certain change of address notices.
Impact
The passage of HB297 is expected to simplify the process for voters who reside in the county where they are registered but have not updated their addresses. By allowing voters to vote in their registered precinct under certain conditions, the bill seeks to facilitate higher voter participation and ensure that those who are eligible to vote are not disenfranchised due to registration discrepancies. The bill, however, may have implications for the accountability and accuracy of the voter registration process, raising questions about how effectively jurisdictions can maintain updated voter lists.
Summary
House Bill 297 (HB297) addresses election procedures specifically related to the registration of voters whose residential addresses are not current. The bill outlines the process for accepting voter registrations and responses regarding change of address notifications. It amends existing sections of the Election Code to modify the effective date of registration changes to 30 days after a voter submits a notice or changes their information with the election registrar. This change aims to streamline the voting process for individuals who may have moved within the same county but whose voter registrations do not reflect their current addresses.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB297 include concerns from critics regarding the potential for increased challenges in verifying residency and the integrity of the voter registration system. Opponents may argue that allowing voters to use outdated addresses can complicate the electoral process and lead to issues with ballot distribution and election integrity. Advocates for the bill, on the other hand, argue that it removes unnecessary barriers to voting and adapts to the realities of modern mobility, where voters may frequently relocate within their localities.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Election Code
Chapter 15. General Administration Of Registration
Similar To
Relating to election procedures regarding accepting a voter with a residence address that is not current and the immediate effect of a voter's registration after the registrar's receipt of certain change of address notices.
Similar To
Relating to election procedures regarding accepting a voter with a residence address that is not current and the immediate effect of a voter's registration after the registrar's receipt of certain change of address notices.
Relating to the cancellation of all voter registrations following each presidential election; making conforming changes to voter registration and maintenance procedures; imposing a civil penalty.
Relating to the cancellation of all voter registrations following each presidential election; making conforming changes to voter registration and maintenance procedures.
Relating to requiring a voter to be affiliated with a political party to vote in that party's primary election or otherwise participate in that party's affairs; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to requiring a voter to be affiliated with a political party to vote in that party's primary election or otherwise participate in that party's affairs; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to requiring a voter to be affiliated with a political party to vote in that party's primary election or otherwise participate in that party's affairs; creating a criminal offense.