Texas Senate Bill SB2820

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/14/25

Caption

Relating to the number of polling places in certain counties.

Impact

This bill is expected to create more uniformity in how polling places are established across counties, potentially assisting in alleviating long wait times and complications faced by voters during elections. By ensuring that no precinct is disproportionately represented in terms of polling access, the legislation could improve voting equity within large counties. However, the amendment also places a significant emphasis on population size, creating a change to electoral management that may affect how local jurisdictions respond to their unique voting population needs.

Summary

Senate Bill 2820 aims to regulate the number of polling places in counties, especially for those with populations exceeding one million. The bill amends the Election Code, ensuring that each county commissioners precinct contains at least one polling place. It further stipulates that the total number of polling places in any given county precinct cannot exceed twice the number of polling places in another precinct. Moreover, it introduces a provision to ensure that in counties with populations exceeding one million, the number of polling places within the boundary of a state representative district cannot differ from that of another state representative district by more than one polling place.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding how these regulations are implemented. Critics may argue that the constraints on the number of polling places based solely on population figures can overlook the specific needs of different communities within those populous counties. For instance, areas with high voter turnout may still struggle with access issues if their proportional allocation does not reflect actual voting behavior. Discussions around these amendments may center on the balance between standardized approaches to polling access and the flexibility necessary for local governmental authority to address community-specific challenges.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

• Chapter 43. Polling Places
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 85. Conduct Of Voting By Personal Appearance
  • Section: New Section