TITLE: Relating to electronic submission of an application for an early voting ballot by mail.

SUMMARY: Relating to electronic submission of an application for an early voting ballot by mail.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to electronic submission of an application for an early voting ballot by mail. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Sections 84.001(b) and (d), Election Code, are amended to read as follows: (b) An application must be in writing and signed by the applicant. Except as provided by Section 84.0091, an [An] electronic signature is not permitted. (d) An application must be submitted [by mail] to the early voting clerk for the election who serves the election precinct of the applicant's residence. SECTION 2. Section 84.007(a), Election Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) Except as provided by Sections 84.008,[and] 84.009, and 84.0091, an application for a ballot to be voted by mail must be submitted as provided by this section. SECTION 3. Subchapter A, Chapter 84, Election Code, is amended by adding Section 84.0091 to read as follows: Sec. 84.0091. SUBMITTING APPLICATION FOR BALLOT VOTED BY MAIL: ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION. The secretary of state shall implement a program to allow a person to complete an application for an early voting ballot by mail over the Internet from the official website of this state. The program must: (1) permit an applicant to electronically sign the application; (2) deliver a completed application to the early voting clerk for the election who serves the election precinct of the applicant's residence; and (3) permit an applicant to check the status of the applicant's application. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.