Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

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STATE AFFAIRS/ElectionsElections
77 th Texas Legislature
Equitable Distribution of Voting Equipment - H.B. 2923
by Representative Jesse Jones, et al.
Senate Sponsor: Senator Whitmire
Current law provides that, if more than one kind of voting system is adopted for use at the polling places in
the same election, the adopting authority determines the polling place or places at which each system is to
be used.
Requires any new voting technology that is introduced for a primary election, an election ordered by the
governor, or an election ordered by a county authority to be distributed and used proportionately and
equitably among the election precincts in which it is used.
Making Allowances for Early Voting Periods - H.B. 3305
by Representative Martinez Fischer
Senate Sponsor: Senator Van de Putte
Under current law, the last day to call an election is 45 days before the day set as election day. This
provision creates a conflict for counties that need to request pre-clearance for an election from the United
States Department of Justice (USDOJ) in accordance with the federal Voting Rights Act.
Modifies time periods pertaining to elections to use the earliest allowable date for the beginning of early
voting by personal appearance, rather than election day, as a frame of reference.
Appointment of Presidential Electors - H.J.R. 45
by Representatives Tillery and Madden
Senate Sponsor: Senator Shapiro
During the last presidential election cycle, the contest of the election results in Florida raised the possibility
that the state might lose its electoral votes if its election results were not certified by the deadline. This
resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to:
Require the governor to convene a special legislative session to appoint presidential electors if the
governor determines a reasonable likelihood exists that a final determination of the appointment of electors
will not occur before the deadline.
Canceling an Election for Unopposed Legislative Candidate - H.J.R. 47
by Representatives Madden and Crownover
Senate Sponsor: Senator Shapiro
Proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to enact a statute regarding the filling of a
vacancy in the legislature without an election if, in an election to fill the vacancy, only one person qualifies
and declares a candidacy.
Senate Research Center 272