TITLE: Relating to polling places in a precinct.

SUMMARY: Relating to polling places in a precinct.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to polling places in a precinct. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 43.001, Election Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 43.001. NUMBER OF [ONE] POLLING PLACES [PLACE] IN EACH PRECINCT. (a) Except as provided by this section, each [Each] election precinct established for an election shall be served by a single polling place located within the boundary of the precinct. (b) In a county with a population of more than 500,000, each election precinct established for an election may be served by more than one polling place if: (1) each polling place is located within the boundary of the precinct; and (2) consideration is given to population density in selecting the location of each polling place, so that each polling place serves approximately the same number of voters. SECTION 2. Sections 43.002(a) and (b), Election Code, are amended to read as follows: (a) For a general or special election in which the use of county election precincts is required, the county clerk shall recommend the location of the polling place or places for each county election precinct, except as provided by Subsection (b). The commissioners court shall designate the recommended location as a [the] polling place unless the court finds good cause to reject the recommendation. In that case, the commissioners court shall designate another location. (b) If county election precincts are consolidated, the commissioners court shall designate the location of the polling place or places for the consolidated precinct. SECTION 3. Section 43.003, Election Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 43.003. DESIGNATION OF LOCATION: PRIMARY ELECTION. The county chair of a political party holding a primary election shall designate the location of the polling place or places for each election precinct in the primary unless the precinct is one that is consolidated. In that case, the county executive committee shall designate the location or locations.SECTION 4. Section 43.004(a), Election Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The governing body of each political subdivision authorized to hold elections, other than a county, shall designate the location of the polling place or places for each of its election precincts. SECTION 5. Section 43.005, Election Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 43.005. DESIGNATION OF LOCATION: CERTAIN SPECIAL ELECTIONS. The authority establishing election precincts under Section 42.062 shall designate the location of the polling place or places for each precinct. SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.