Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB5351

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the election for which an application for a ballot to be voted by mail is requested.

Impact

Additionally, HB 5351 modifies the timeline and conditions under which applications for mail-in ballots can be submitted. Notably, it establishes clearer guidelines on the deadlines for submitting these applications, helping to ensure that voters are better informed and adhere strictly to the required timelines. The bill includes provisions that ensure the application is submitted no later than 11 days before election day, allowing enough time for processing and reducing the chances of last-minute difficulties for voters.

Summary

House Bill 5351 addresses the regulations surrounding applications for voting by mail in Texas. The bill proposes an amendment to Section 84.004 of the Election Code, which pertains to offenses related to signing applications for mail-in ballots. Specifically, the bill states that an individual commits an offense if they sign an application to be a witness for more than one applicant during the same election. This clarification aims to discourage potential abuse of the mail-in voting process by limiting the number of applicants an individual can assist as a witness per election.

Conclusion

Overall, House Bill 5351 aims to tighten the regulations governing mail-in voting applications while also setting specific boundaries for how those applications may be signed and submitted. As political discussions continue, the bill reflects ongoing efforts to refine Texas' electoral processes, ensuring they accommodate both security and voter participation.

Contention

The proposed changes have sparked some discussion about their implications for voter access. Advocates argue that these regulations may enhance the integrity of the mail-in voting system and reduce fraud. However, critics contend that the restrictions, particularly regarding the limit on witnesses, may inadvertently disenfranchise voters who rely on assistance from family members or caregivers. This concern has led to debates about balancing election integrity with the need to ensure accessibility for all eligible voters.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX A1373

Allows voters to submit application to vote by mail using electronic mail-in ballot application form through website maintained by Secretary of State up to seven days before election.

TX S08644

Relates to the state board of elections creating uniform ballots for early mail, absentee, military and special voters who vote by mail; creates an electronic mail ballot application transmittal system; repeals certain provisions of the election law.

TX A3981

Provides primary and school election sample ballots may be sent to registered voter by electronic mail if so requested.

TX S3529

Provides primary and school election sample ballots may be sent to registered voter by electronic mail if so requested.

TX HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, furth er providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

TX HB3697

Relating to the text on an application for a ballot to be voted by mail.

TX HB499

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors and providing for secure ballot return receptacles; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

TX AB2105

Elections: vote by mail ballots.

TX HB1917

Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter, the electronic transmission of a ballot to a voter voting early by mail, and the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail.

TX HB473

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.