Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

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STATE AFFAIRS/ElectionsElections
77 th Texas Legislature
Uniform Election Dates - S.B. 79
by Senator Shapiro, et al.
House Sponsor: Representative Madden
Decreases the number of election dates in Texas in an effort to raise voter participation. There are four
uniform election days in the state, but there were 10 exceptions for certain elections. S.B. 79 eliminates
several of the exceptions but retains special exceptions to resolve a vacancy in the legislature, tie votes,
and other emergencies. By reducing the number of elections held, a savings of $2.7 million is anticipated.
Polling Places for Elections - H.B. 563
by Representatives Madden and Hochberg
Senate Sponsor: Senator Shapiro
To ensure access to polling places, this bill, which applies only to a general or special election that is
ordered by the governor or the county judge:
Requires the county clerk, if the location of a polling place changes after notice of an election is given, to
give notice of the change not later than the earlier of 24 hours after the location is changed or 24 hours
before the polls open on election day.
Requires an election officer, who has computerized polling place information available, to help voters find
their correct polling place.
Requires the presiding judge of a polling place, if the polling place is left unattended, to provide for the
security of the polling place.
Canceling Special Elections - H.B. 831
by Representative Madden, et al.
Senate Sponsor: Senator Shapiro
Legislation enacted during the 74th Legislature authorized certain political subdivisions to cancel an
election and declare an unopposed candidate elected if no contested races and no propositions appear on
the ballot. It seems reasonable to apply the same criteria for local election cancellation to state office races.
Allows the secretary of state to declare elected an unopposed candidate for the legislature, under certain
circumstances.
Sets forth procedures for a write-in candidate in a special election to fill a vacancy in the legislature.
Senate Research Center 269