TITLE: Relating to the procedure for duplicating ballots for automatic counting.

SUMMARY: Relating to the procedure for duplicating ballots for automatic counting.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the procedure for duplicating ballots for automatic counting. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 87.102, Election Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The authority adopting an electronic voting system in which ballots are counted at a central counting station may direct by resolution, order, or other official action that the early voting regular paper ballots cast in an election be duplicated as electronic system ballots for automatic counting at the central counting station. (b) Early voting ballots that are to be duplicated under this section shall be delivered to the central counting station as prescribed by Section 87.101 and shall be treated in the same manner as damaged electronic system ballots that are duplicated for automatic counting. (c) If an electronic system ballot is damaged to the extent it cannot be automatically counted, the ballot may be duplicated so it can be automatically counted. (d) A procedure other than duplication may not be used to process a ballot subject to this section unless the procedure is expressly authorized by the secretary of state. (e) Each duplicate ballot must be clearly labeled "Duplicate" and must bear the serial number of the original ballot. (f) The duplicate shall be substituted for the original ballot in the ballots prepared for automatic counting. The original shall be preserved with the other voted ballots for the same period. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.