Relating to requiring the partisan elections of officers for each political subdivision of this state in even-numbered years.
Impact
The proposed legislation would necessitate amendments to existing Education and Election Codes, affecting when elections for trustees of independent school districts and other local offices are held. Specifically, it amends provisions to ensure that these elections align with statewide election dates. This change could lead to increased voter turnout as elections occur on more prominent dates, likely when voters are already engaged in selecting state and national representatives.
Summary
House Bill 4199 aims to require that partisan elections for local officers be scheduled to coincide with the general election for state and county officers in even-numbered years. This bill reflects an effort to unify election dates across various political subdivisions, which includes municipalities, school districts, and other local government entities. By centralizing election dates, the bill seeks to enhance voter participation and streamline the electoral process within the state of Texas.
Contention
Points of contention surrounding HB 4199 may include concerns over local control versus state mandates, as some local governments might prefer the autonomy to set their election dates according to community preferences and needs. Furthermore, there is the question of whether aligning these elections will indeed lead to the anticipated increase in voter turnout or if it might overwhelm voters with more candidates and issues on their ballots during general elections.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 11. School Districts
Section: 059
Section: New Section
Election Code
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Chapter 41. Election Dates And Hours For Voting
Section: New Section
Section: 0052
Chapter 143. Candidate For City Office
Section: New Section
Chapter 172. Primary Elections
Section: New Section
Chapter 144. Candidate For Office Of Political Subdivision Other Than County Or City
Section: New Section
Local Government Code
Chapter 23. Aldermanic Form Of Government In Type B General-law Municipality
Section: 023
Chapter 24. Commission Form Of Government In General-law Municipality
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 state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.