TITLE: Relating to accommodating a voter unable to enter a polling place.

SUMMARY: Relating to accommodating a voter unable to enter a polling place.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to accommodating a voter unable to enter a polling place. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. LEGISLATIVE INTENT. It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure the integrity of elections in Texas, which includes the promotion of voter access. SECTION 2. Section 64.009, Election Code, is amended by adding Subsections (e) and (f) to read as follows: (e) An election officer shall designate a parking space at each polling place for voting under this section. The parking space may not be one designated specifically for persons with disabilities. The parking space must be clearly marked with a sign indicating that the space is reserved for use by a voter who is unable to enter the polling place. (f) An election officer shall ensure that a voter has the ability to request assistance from an election officer at the polling place from inside a vehicle parked in the space designated under Subsection (e) through use of: (1) a telephone number displayed on the sign in large font readable from the vehicle that the voter may text or call; or (2) a button the voter may use to access an intercom system. SECTION 3. Section 104.004(e), Election Code, is amended to read as follows: (e) If the voter is physically unable to enter the early voting polling place without personal assistance or a likelihood of injuring the voter's health, the clerk shall deliver the balloting materials to the voter at the polling place entrance or curb following the procedures prescribed by Section 64.009.SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.