Texas Senate Bill SB2816

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/14/25

Caption

Relating to the partial count of electronic voting system ballots.

Impact

The implementation of SB 2816 is set to substantially affect the election process within Texas. By introducing requirements for manual counts, the bill seeks to reinforce the authenticity of election results, addressing public concerns about electronic voting systems. The requirement for a manual count within a stipulated period following the election is crucial for building voter confidence and ensuring transparency. This could lead to an increase in the perceived legitimacy of election outcomes and the voting process overall, as communities may feel more secure that their votes are accurately counted.

Summary

Senate Bill 2816 addresses the procedure for counting ballots in electronic voting systems. It mandates that the general custodian of election records conduct a manual count to ensure the accuracy of the tabulation of electronic voting results. The bill specifies that this manual count must encompass at least one percent of election precincts or at least three precincts, allowing for a random selection process for the precincts to be counted. This provision aims to enhance election integrity and provide reassurance regarding the correctness of electronic vote tabulation.

Contention

While proponents of SB 2816 argue that the manual count serves as a necessary check on the electronic voting system, concerns may arise regarding the logistical implications of conducting these counts. Critics might argue that the requirement could place an undue burden on local election officials, potentially leading to delays and increased costs. Additionally, there could be debates on how the precincts are selected for manual counting and the potential for disparities in scrutiny in different areas. The balance between ensuring election integrity and managing efficient election processes may be a significant point of contention as the bill progresses.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

• Chapter 127. Processing Electronic Voting System Results
  • Section: 201