Key Changes Passed, Major Proposals Failed
Texas lawmakers approved several election-related reforms this session, including an expanded early-voting schedule, improvements to mail-in voting processes, and new restrictions on curbside voting. However, controversial proposals—like proof of citizenship requirements and online voter registration—did not advance.
Early Voting Period Adjusted for Accessibility
Senate Bill 2753 restructured early voting by starting it later but eliminating the three-day break before Election Day. It adds more access on Sundays and holidays, giving voters more opportunities to cast ballots. However, these changes may delay partial election results, as tallies from early ballots will not be released until all polling locations close.
Mail-In Voting to Be More Voter-Friendly
Senate Bill 2964 allows election officials to notify voters of errors on their mail-in ballots via phone or email and gives voters the ability to correct them by mail or in person. House Bill 2259 requires mail-in ballot instructions to be printed in larger fonts and multiple languages, making them more accessible. Both bills take effect in September.
Tighter Rules on Curbside Voting
House Bill 511 adds new verification steps for voters using curbside voting. Voters must now sign a form swearing they cannot enter the polling site without assistance. Those providing rides for multiple voters must also complete and sign documentation. Failing to comply may result in a Class A misdemeanor.
Proof of Citizenship Proposal Fails
Senate Bill 16, which would have required all voters—current and new—to prove citizenship, failed to get a floor vote in the House. The sweeping bill faced criticism for potentially disenfranchising eligible voters.
Attorney General’s Election Powers Remain Limited
Efforts to expand Attorney General Ken Paxton’s authority to prosecute election crimes failed after the House and Senate couldn’t agree on the scope of the power. The current law still requires local prosecutors to initiate such cases.
Online Voter Registration Still Off the Table
Despite hearings and proposed legislation, Texas will continue to rely on paper-based voter registration. Bills to allow online registration didn’t make it past committee or failed to meet legislative deadlines.
Counties Can Still Send Unsolicited Registration Forms
Legislation that would have banned counties from mailing out unsolicited voter registration applications failed. This means counties can continue such outreach, despite pushback from some lawmakers.
No Guns in Polling Locations
Bills to allow concealed firearms in polling places didn’t pass. Proposals permitting poll workers or voters to carry guns inside polling sites missed key legislative deadlines.
No New Audits for Hand-Counted Ballots
House Bill 3113, which aimed to make hand-count audits easier and more verifiable, did not advance. Current law still requires a full manual recount to verify hand-tallied election results, even after high-profile counting errors in 2024.
What Now?
Though several reforms were enacted, Texas did not pursue some of the more controversial or expansive changes this session. Counties will now prepare to implement the new laws by 2027, as required by the state.
The Texas Legislature is set to reconvene. Keep up with future developments with us on Que Onda Magazine.