Source: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/advisory2019-16.shtml
Timestamp: 2020-01-23 05:41:47
Document Index: 565352704

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 81', '§81', '§ 81', '§81', '§81', '§ 81', '§ 81', '§ 81', '§ 81', '§ 81', '§ 81', '§81']

Election Advisory No. 2019-16
Note: For deadlines affecting all candidates, refer to our online 2020 Candidates’ Guide Important Dates calendar. Remember that under Section 41.007(d) of the Texas Election Code, no other elections may be conducted on primary or runoff primary election day.
Note on Temporary Branch Polling Places (NEW LAW NOTE)
On June 25, 2013, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder, 133 S. Ct. 2612 (2013). That decision held that Section 4 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 is unconstitutional and its formula can no longer be used as a basis for subjecting jurisdictions to preclearance. We suggest that Texas counties or other Texas political subdivisions discuss the effect ofShelby and the continuing applicability of other provisions of the Voting Rights Act with their legal counsel.
The county clerk must post a notice of election on or before the 21st day before the election. (Secs. 4.003(b), 172.1112). (NOTE: There is no requirement to publish notice of the primary or runoff primary elections in a newspaper, and the cost of any such publication will not be reimbursed with primary funds.) For the Tuesday, March 3, 2020 Primary Election, this notice must be posted on the county’s website (or, if the county does not have a website, on the commissioners court bulletin board) on or before Tuesday, February 11, 2020. For the Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Runoff Primary Election, the notice must be posted on or before Tuesday, May 5, 2020.
The location of each polling place, including the street address, room number, and building name;
The location of the main early voting polling place, including the street address, room number, and building name;
(Secs. 4.004, 83.010, 85.004, 85.007)
Note regarding branch early voting locations: The branch early voting locations are no longer a required part of the notice under the Texas Election Code. However, the early voting clerk must post a schedule stating the location of those branch early voting locations and the dates and hours that temporary branch voting will be conducted. That schedule must be posted on the county’s website if the county has a website, otherwise it must be posted on the commissioners court bulletin board. (Secs. 4.004, 85.067, 85.068).
Notice of Nearest Polling Places in Countywide Election (NEW LAW NOTE): HB 3965, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), amended Section 43.007 to require counties who participate in the countywide polling place program to post a notice at EACH countywide polling place listing the four nearest locations to that polling place by driving distance.
NEW LAW NOTE: HB 1241, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), adds Section 1.021, which requires that in any situation where the Election Code requires notice of a polling place location, the written notice must state the building name, if any, and the street address (including any suite or room number) of the polling place.
NEW LAW NOTE: HB 933, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), amends Section 4.003(b) to require the county to post a copy of the election notice on the county’s website, if the county maintains a website. If the county does not maintain a website, then the county clerk will post a copy of the election notice on the bulletin board used for commissioners court meetings.
NEW LAW NOTE: HB 933, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), amends Section 85.007 to require the notice of the early voting dates and hours that must be posted continuously for 72 hours before voting begins to be posted on the county’s website. If the county does not maintain a website, then the county clerk will post a copy of the election notice on the bulletin board used for commissioners court meetings.
NEW LAW NOTE: HB 2640, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), amended 172.1112 to require the county to post the notice of election and notice of consolidated precincts on the county’s website if the county maintains a website. Under the prior version of the law, the notice was required to be posted on
We recommend establishing a date to perform the first test of your electronic voting equipment (L&A, or Logic and Accuracy Test) as soon as possible. We recommend that this test be performed on a date that allows time to correct programming and retest, if necessary. A notice of this test must be published by the custodian of the electronic voting equipment at least 48 hours before the date of the test. That notice must be posted on the county’s website if the county maintains a website, otherwise it must be posted on the commissioners court bulletin board. (Sec. 129.023; Tex. Sec’y of State Election Advisory No. 2018-34). Additionally, for a primary election, the custodian must notify the county chair of the test 48 hours prior to the test. The L&A test must be conducted not later than 48 hours before voting begins on a voting system. (Sec. 129.023).
The automatic tabulating equipment used for counting ballots at a central counting station must be tested three times for each election. (Ch. 127, Subch. D). We recommend you test the equipment as soon as possible; early testing will allow adequate time to locate any errors and make any necessary corrections in programming. However, the first test must be conducted at least 48 hours before the automatic tabulating equipment is used to count ballots voted in the election. The second test shall be conducted immediately before the counting of ballots with the equipment begins. The third test must be conducted immediately after the counting of ballots with the equipment is completed. Please note that the custodian of the automatic tabulating equipment must publish notice of the date, hour, and place of the first test in a newspaper at least 48 hours before the date of the test. Additionally, in a primary election, the custodian must notify the county chair 48 hours prior to the time of the test. (Sec. 127.096). The electronic files created from the L&A testing are what must be used for testing the tabulating equipment. (Tex. Sec’y of State Election Advisory No. 2018-34)
Precinct tabulators must also be tested in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 127, Subchapter D of the Texas Election Code to the extent those procedures can be made applicable. (Sec.127.152; Tex. Sec’y of State Election Advisory No. 2018-34).
For more information on testing tabulating equipment used at the central counting station, please see Chapter 127, Subchapter D of the Election Code and Tex. Sec’y of State Election Advisory No. 2018-34. See Chapter 129, Subchapter B of the Election Code and Tex. Sec’y of State Election Advisory No. 2018-34 for other types of testing such as functionality tests, logic and accuracy tests, tests for central accumulators, etc. Please see Tex. Sec’y of State Election Advisory No. 2018-34 for additional information regarding voting system equipment access, security and preservation, and chain of custody.
NEW LAW NOTE: HB 2640, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), amends Section 174.021(b) to allow a political party to hold their precinct conventions during the county convention and at the same place as the county convention.
Notice Required: Section 174.023(a) requires the county chair to post a notice of the date, hour, and place for convening each precinct convention on the county or state party’s Internet website or other Internet location easily found through a search engine. If the county party does not maintain an Internet website, the chair shall post the notice on the county commissioners court bulletin board. The notice must remain posted continuously for the 10 days immediately preceding the date of the convention. Because the convention times are not yet determined, this calendar does not show any deadlines for posting such notices. (Sec.174.023(b)).
NEW LAW NOTE: HB 2640, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), repealed Section 174.023(b). The county chair is no longer required to deliver written notice to the county clerk of the date, time and place of each precinct convention by the 10th day before the date of the conventions.
Time and Place: Section 174.063(a) provides that the state executive committee by rule specifies the date the county and senatorial conventions will be held. Under Section 174.021 of the Texas Election Code, a political party may by rule allow a county to hold precinct conventions before or during the county convention on the same day and at the same place as the county convention.
Notice Required: Section 174.064(a) requires notice of the hour and date for convening each county convention to be posted electronically on the county or state party’s Internet website or on the bulletin board used for posting notice of meetings of the commissioners court. The notice must remain posted continuously for the 10 days immediately preceding the date of the convention. Because the convention times are not yet determined, this calendar does not show any deadlines for posting such notices.
NEW LAW NOTE: HB 2640, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), repealed Section 174.023(b). The county chair is no longer required to deliver written notice to the county clerk of the date, time and place of the county and senatorial district conventions by the 10th day before the date of the conventions.
Section 174.092(a) of the Texas Election Code provides that the biennial state convention must be convened on a date selected by the state executive committee. The state convention date is no longer limited to one in June or July. Section 174.092(b) of the Texas Election Code continues to provide that the state executive committee must set the date of the state convention not later than the date the state chair delivers to the county chairs the certification of names for placement on the primary election ballot. See entry at Wednesday, December 19, 2020. Accordingly, this calendar does not show any deadline or time frame for holding the state convention. Notice of the date, hour, and place for convening the state convention must be posted by the state chair on the party’s Internet website before the date of the party’s precinct conventions under Section 174.093 of the Texas Election Code.
Section 63.0015 provides that an election officer may accept a person with a mobility problem that substantially impairs a person’s ability to ambulate who is offering to vote before accepting others offering to vote at the polling place who arrived before the person. “Mobility problem that substantially impairs a person’s ability to ambulate” has the meaning assigned by Section 681.001, Transportation Code. A person assisting an individual with a mobility problem may also, at the individual's request, be given voting order priority. Notice of the priority given to persons with a mobility problem that substantially impairs a person’s ability to ambulate shall be posted:
"Pursuant to Section 63.0015, Election Code, an election officer may give voting order priority to individuals with a mobility problem that substantially impairs the person's ability to move around. A person assisting an individual with a mobility problem may also, at the individual's request, be given voting order priority. Disabilities and conditions that may qualify you for voting order priority include paralysis, lung disease, the use of portable oxygen, cardiac deficiency, severe limitation in the ability to walk due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition, wheelchair confinement, arthritis, foot disorder, the inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest, or use of a brace, cane, crutch, or other assistive device."
Section 84.007(b-1) provides that if an ABBM is faxed or emailed or if an FPCA is faxed, then the applicant must submit the ORIGINAL application BY MAIL to the early voting clerk so that the early voting clerk receives the original no later than the 4th business day after receiving the emailed or faxed ABBM or faxed FPCA. If the early voting clerk does not receive the original ABBM or FPCA by that deadline, then the emailed or faxed ABBM or faxed FPCA will be considered incomplete. An original hardcopy ABBM received after the 4th business day deadline but received by the 11th day before election day would entitle the voter to receive a ballot for the election.
The early voting clerk should retain a copy of the FPCA for their own records, but should send the FPCA submitted by the voter to the Voter Registrar for registration purposes.
If a voter faxes or emails the ABBM or faxes the FPCA, the date the early voting clerk receives the FAX or EMAIL is considered the date of submission. Essentially, the faxed or emailed form serves as a place-holder for the voter.
Therefore, a voter whose application was faxed or emailed by the 11th day before election day (the deadline), and whose original application is received on or before the 4th business day after that date, would still be entitled to receive a ballot for the election (if otherwise eligible). The early voting clerk will have to hold the faxed or emailed ABBM or faxed FPCA until the clerk receives the original, and would only send the voter a ballot if the original is received by the 4th business day after the faxed or emailed ABBM or faxed FPCA was received. See Tex. Sec’y of State Election Advisory No. 2018-02.
11. Note on Temporary Branch Polling Places (NEW LAW NOTE)
HB 1888, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), amends Chapter 85 of the Election Code to modify the requirements for temporary branch polling places.
Early voting at any temporary branch polling location MUST be conducted on the same weekdays as the main early voting location and MUST remain open for eight hours each day it is open. (Sec 85.005 and 85.064)
NOTE for political subdivisions other than cities or counties - For political subdivisions with fewer than 1000 registered voters, who did not contract with the city or county to act as their early voting clerk, the temporary branch locations must be open for at least three hours each day. (Sec 85.005 and 85.064)
For most political subdivisions, this will require your temporary branch locations to be open on every weekday of the early voting period and for at least eight hours on each of those days.
HB 1888 also repeals Section 85.064(a) and (c) and Section 85.065. Those statutes provided different rules for populous counties (population over 100,000) as opposed to less populous counties (population under 100,000). Those distinctions have been removed. The rules for temporary branch locations are the same for populous and less populous counties under the current version of the law.
Recommended date that the voter registrar forwards a list of voters who have indicated an interest in working as an election judge to the county chair. (Sec. 13.004(c-1)).
Thursday, September 5, 2019 (180th day before primary election day)
First day to accept applications for state write-in ballots for March 3, 2020 primary election. (Sec. 105.002).
Tuesday, September 10, 2019 (90th day before regular filing deadline)
Monday, October 28, 2019 (72 hours before meeting date of county election officer and county chairs)
Deadline to provide notice of meeting under Section 31.124, if the meeting is to be held on October 31, 2019, as recommended. The county election officer must deliver written notice of time and place of meeting between county election officer and county chair on or before this date. See entry under Thursday, October 31, 2019. Notice may be delivered by U.S. mail, electronic mail, or other method of written communication. (Sec. 31.124).
Saturday, November 9, 2019 (30th day before regular filing deadline)
Saturday, Novebmer 16, 2019 (30th day before write-in candidate filing deadline) – Updated Entry
First day to file a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy for County and Precinct Chair on the ___________party general primary ballot (PDF) as a write in candidate for the office of precinct chair or county chair, if the county executive committee has decided to authorize write-in candidates. (Sec.171.0231, 146.025).
Recommended date by which county chairs who wish to conduct a joint primary should meet with the county election officer to determine whether to enter into a joint resolution to conduct the primary, and if the determination is in the affirmative, to discuss potential consolidation or combination of election precincts, to determine the estimated number of election judges and clerks, members of the early voting ballot board, and central counting station personnel to be appointed from the parties, and to decide which voting system and ballot formats are to be used. (Sec.172.126).
Recommended date by which county chairs should submit names of persons eligible to serve as deputy early voting clerks for the primary election. (Sec. 85.0091). The early voting clerk will select elections officers for the main and branch early voting polling places from lists provided by the county chair. However, the early voting clerk will set the actual deadline for the submission of those lists. This recommended deadline serves to provide adequate time for chairs to compile lists and the election officials to be notified.
Saturday, November 30, 2019 (day after 10th day before date of regular filing deadline)
If a vacancy for an unexpired term in an office of the state or county government occurs after the 10th day before the date of the regular filing deadline, but on or before the 5th day before the date of the regular filing deadline (on or before November 30 and December 4), an application for the unexpired term is subject to an extended filing deadline. See entry at Monday, December 16, 2019. (Sec. 202.004(a), (c)).
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 (5th day before regular filing deadline)
Last day a vacancy for an unexpired term in an office of the state or county government may occur and appear on the primary ballot. (Sec. 202.004(a)). An application for such a vacancy is subject to an extended filing deadline. See entry at Monday, December 16, 2019. (Sec. 202.004(a), (c))
Recommended time frame in which the commissioners court should approve resolution to have a joint primary. See entry under Friday, November 22, 2019. (Sec. 172.126(a)).
Sunday, December 8, 2019 (last day before regular filing deadline)
NOTE: If the party secretary is accepting applications at a second location in addition to the county chair, the notice must include both locations.
Monday, December 9, 2019 (2nd Monday in December)
NOTE: This deadline is also applicable to applications for a place on the primary election ballot to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term in an office of the state or county government that occurred on or before the 10th day before the date of the regular filing deadline (November 29, 2019). (Sec. 202.004(b)).
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 (1st day after the regular filing deadline)
Monday, December 16, 2019 (7th day after regular filing deadline)
6:00 p.m. – Deadline for to file a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy for County and Precinct Chair for a place on the general primary election ballot if authorized by the county executive committee. (Sec. 171.0231; 1.006).
6:00 p.m. – Deadline for the state or county chair, as applicable, to receive applications for a place on the general primary election ballot for an unexpired term for a vacancy in an office of the state or county government that occurs after the 10th day (November 29, 2019) before the date of the regular filing deadline, but on or before the 5th day (December 4, 2019) before the date of the regular filing deadline. (Secs. 1.006 & 202.004(a), (c)). (The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Monday, December 16, 2019 due to the 5th day after the regular candidate filing deadline falling on Saturday, December 19, 2019. (Sec. 1.006).)
dies on or after the fifth day before the date of the regular filing deadline (December 4, 2019) and on or before the first day after the date of the regular filing deadline (December 10, 2019);
holds the office for which the application was made and withdraws or is declared ineligible on the date of the regular filing deadline (December 9, 2019) or on the first day after the date of the regular filing deadline (December 10, 2019); or
withdraws or is declared ineligible on the date of the regular filing deadline (December 9, 2019) or on the first day after the date of the regular filing deadline (December 10, 2019), and at the time of the withdrawal or declaration of ineligibility no other candidate has made an application that complies with the applicable requirements for the office sought by the withdrawn or ineligible candidate.
(The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Monday, December 16, 2019 due to the 5th day after the regular candidate filing deadline falling on Saturday, December 14, 2019. (Sec. 1.006).)
NOTE: An application filed by mail with the state chair under this extended deadline provision is not timely if received later than 5:00 p.m. on the extended deadline. (Sec. 172.054(b)).
NOTE: Section 172.112 no longer permits write-in candidates for any office on the primary ballot, including precinct chairs.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019 (8th day after regular filing deadline)
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 (9th day after regular filing deadline)
Deadline for chair to post notice on the party’s website 24 hours preceding the date, hour, and place of ballot drawing if ballot drawing is conducted on December 20, 2019. If the party does not maintain an Internet website, the party must post notice on the commissioners court bulletin board. All candidates who provide an email address on their filing form must be notified electronically of drawing. (Sec. 172.082(e)).
Thursday, December 19, 2019 (10th day after regular filing deadline)
Deadline for county chair or county chair’s designee to conduct drawing for candidate order on ballot (unless committee provides by resolution that the county executive committee is to conduct drawing). (Sec. 172.082(c)).
NOTE: Section 172.082(b) was amended in 2019 by House Bill 2640 to allow the county chair to designate another individual to conduct the ballot drawing. To be eligible to act as the county chair’s designee, the individual must be a member of the county executive committee. If no member of the county executive committee is available, then a resident of the county who is affiliated with the same political party may serve as the county chair’s designee.
Wednesday, January 1, 2020 (62nd day before election day; New Year’s Day)
First day for voters to submit a regular application for ballot by mail for an election in 2020. The application is considered submitted at the time of receipt. (Secs. 84.001(e), 84.007).
First day for voters to submit an annual application for ballot by mail for all elections in calendar year 2020. The voter must be 65 on election day or disabled in order to submit an annual application. The application is considered submitted at the time of receipt. (Secs. 84.001(e), 84.007).
Friday, January 3, 2020 (60th day before primary election day)
Recommended last day for the county chair of each political party to appoint presiding and alternate judges for each precinct in which the primary election will be held in the county, presiding judges for the early voting ballot board and the central counting station, and personnel for the central counting station. (Secs. 32.006, 32.008, 87.002 & 127.002-127.005). Written notice of the appointments must be given to the judges. (Sec. 32.009).
Recommended last day for the county election officer to appoint presiding and alternate judges from the lists provided by each county chair and to appoint the election clerks in a joint primary election. (Sec. 172.126(c)). Written notice of the appointments must be given to the judges. (Sec. 32.009).
NOTE: General eligibility requirements for election judges and clerks are found in Subchapter C, Chapter 32 of the Texas Election Code. General eligibility requirements for central counting station personnel are found in Sections 127.002-127.006 of the Texas Election Code. The presiding judge appoints the clerks, but not more than the maximum set by the political party, consistent with Secretary of State’s primary finance rules; however, the alternate judge must serve as one of the clerks. (Secs. 32.031, 32.032, & 32.033; 1 TAC 81.117).
Monday, January 13, 2020 (50th day before election day) – Updated Entry
Last day to publish notice for testing of automatic tabulation equipment testing and logic and accuracy testing (L&A testing) of a voting system that uses direct recording electronic (DRE) voting machines and precinct scanners if test will be completed by recommended deadline of Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Notice of the public tests must be published at least 48 hours before the test begins. The notice must be posted on the county’s website if the county maintains a website. If the county does not maintain a website, the notice must be posted on the commissioners court bulletin board. Additionally, for a primary election, the custodian must notify the county chair of the test 48 hours prior to the test. The county chair must confirm receipt of the notice. (Secs. 127.093, 127.096, 129.022, 129.023).
Deadline to challenge the filing of an application for a place on the ballot as to form, content, and procedure. (Sec. 172.0223).
Wednesday, January 15, 2020 (48th day before election day)
Recommended date to conduct the first test of the automatic tabulating equipment and for logic and accuracy (L&A test) test on precinct scanners and DREs. (Secs. 127.093; 127.096; 129.022; 129.023). The SOS recommends you complete your first round of testing prior to mailing your mail ballots if those ballots will be counted using automatic tabulation equipment. If you conduct your first round oftesting by this date, you must publish notice of the test 48 hours prior to testing. See Note 6, above.
Saturday, January 18, 2020 (45th day before primary election day)
Deadline for early voting clerk to mail ballots to military and overseas voters. If the clerk cannot meet this 45th Day deadline, the clerk must notify Secretary of State within 24 hours. If a federal postcard application (“FPCA”) is received after the 45th Day deadline, the ballot should be mailed not later than the 7th calendar day after the date the FPCA is received. (Sec. 86.004).
NOTE: The 45th Day deadline under Section 86.004(b) is not extended by Section 1.006 to the next business day. The ballots covered by Section 86.004(b) should be sent out on or before Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Reminder: In regards to mail ballots for other voters (not military or overseas), the early voting clerk must mail a ballot not later than the 7th day after the later of: (1) the date the early voting clerk has accepted a voter’s application for a ballot by mail or (2) the date the ballots become available for mailing. However, if the 7th day falls earlier than the 37th day before election day, the voter’s mail ballot must be mailed no later than the 30th day before election day. (Sec. 86.004(a)).
Monday, January 20, 2020 (43rd day before primary election day)
Deadline for state chairs and county chairs to submit itemized estimate and request for state funds to cover general primary expenses. (Sec. 173.081(c)(2)). Notice of consolidation of county election precincts, if any, must accompany the itemized estimate. (Sec. 173.081(f)). (The deadline is extended to the next regular business day, due to the 45th day before primary election day falling on Saturday, January 18, 2020). (Sec. 1.006).
NEW LAW NOTE: Section 173.081(g) provides that the state chair (or the state chair’s designee) may submit this statement on behalf of the county chair if the county chair (1) requests the state chair to submit the statement on the county chair’s behalf, or (2) fails to submit the statement by the deadline.
Friday, January 31, 2020 (32nd day before primary election day and 12th day before first day signature verification committee may convene)
Recommended date for early voting clerk to issue order calling for appointment of signature verification committee for the primary election, if the early voting clerk determines that a committee is to be appointed. (Sec. 87.027).
If the signature verification committee will start meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, recommended date early voting clerk should post copy of the order calling for appointment of the signature verification committee. (Saturday, February 1, and Sunday, February 2, 2020 are the 10th and 11th days before the first day the committee may meet.) The notice must remain posted continuously for at least 10 days before the first day the committee meets. The notice must be posted on the county’s website if the county maintains a website. If the county does not maintain a website, the notice must be posted on the commissioners court bulletin board. (Sec. 87.027).
Monday, February 3, 2020 (29th day before primary election day)
Last day to register to vote or make a change of address effective for the Tuesday, March 3, 2020 primary election. (Secs. 13.143, 15.025).
Wednesday, February 5, 2020 (5th day after recommended date to order signature verification committee) – Updated Entry
If the early voting clerk issues order calling for appointment of signature verification committee, this is the deadline for the county chair to appoint the members to the committee. See entry under Friday, January 31, 2020. (Sec. 87.027).
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 (21st day before primary election day)
Last day for county clerk to post notice of the general primary election on the county’s website. The notice must also be posted on the party’s website if the party maintains a website. If the party does not maintain a website, the notice must be posted on the commissioners court bulletin board. (Secs. 4.003 & 172.1112).
NEW LAW NOTE: HB 2640, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), amended 172.1112 to require the county to post the notice of election and notice of consolidated precincts on the county’s website if the county maintains a website. Under the prior version of the law, the notice was required to be posted on the party’s website.
NOTE: Section 172.1112 requires that the county clerk, rather than the county chair, post the notice of election for the primary election.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 (20th day before primary election day)
Last day for a person to apply for a full ballot by mail using an FPCA, if the person is not a registered voter but meets the requirements under Title 2 of the Texas Election Code. (Secs.101.052(e) & 101.055(a)). (If the voter marks the FPCA form indicating “indefinitely” (older form) or “do not intend to return” (newer form), the voter receives a federal-only ballot.) Postmark with this date on the FPCA is proof that the applicant submitted the FPCA by this deadline. (See entry below for FPCA without postmark at the 14th day before primary election day, onFebruary 18, 2020.) (Sec. 101.052(e), (i)).
Last day to publish notice of L&A test for DRE voting machines or precinct scanners if test will be held on Friday, February 14, 2020, if testing has was not already completed by January 15, 2020. Notice of the public L&A Test must be published at least 48 hours before the test begins. The notice must be posted on the county’s website if the county maintains a website. If the county does not maintain a website, the notice must be posted on the commissioners court bulletin board. Additionally, for a primary election, the custodian must notify the county chair of the test 48 hours prior to the test. The county chair is required to confirm receipt of the notice. (Secs. 129.001, 129.023). See Note 6, above.
Thursday, February 13, 2020 — Friday, February 21, 2020 (19th — 11th day before primary election day)
A person submitting an FPCA during this period who is not registered to vote is not entitled to receive a ballot for any non-federal election held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. See entry below under Tuesday, February 18, 2020(FPCA without a postmark). (Secs. 101.052(f) & 114.004(c)).
NOTE: Overseas (non-military) voters marking the FPCA as “indefinitely” (older form) or “do not intend to return” (newer form) receive a federal ballot only regardless of the date filed. (See Chapter 114). A person submitting an FPCA during this period is entitled to receive a federal ballot only (no state, district, or county offices), if not already a permanent registered voter. (Secs. 101.052(f), 114.002, 114.004).
Friday, February 14, 2020 (18th day before primary election; last business day 48 hours before start of early voting in person)
If a defective application to vote early by mail is received on or before this date, the early voting clerk must mail the applicant a new application with explanation of defects, a statement that the voter is not entitled to vote early by mail unless he or she submits a sufficient application by the deadline, and instructions for submitting the new application. For defective applications received after this date and before the end of early voting by personal appearance, the early voting clerk must mail only the notice of defect and a statement that the voter is not entitled to vote early by mail unless he or she submits a sufficient application by the deadline. (Sec. 86.008).
Monday, February 17, 2020 (15th day before primary election day-President’s Day) Updated Entry
Last day for a voter to hand-deliver their application for a ballot by mail (if the early voting clerk's office is open) (Sec. 84.008)
Tuesday, February 18, 2020 (14th day before primary election day)
NOTE: The early voting period for the general primary election begins 17 days prior to election day, but because this day falls on a weekend (Saturday, February 15, 2020) and Monday, February 17, 2020 is Presidents’ Day, a legal holiday, it is extended to the next regular business day, Tuesday, February 18, 2020. (Sec. 85.001(c)).
in a county with a population of 400,000 or more, must establish one or more temporary polling places, other than the main early voting polling place, in each state representative district containing territory covered by the election.
in a county with a population of 120,000 or more but less than 400,000, must establish one or more temporary polling places, other than the main early voting polling place, in each commissioners precinct containing territory covered by the election.
in a county with a population of 100,000 or more but less than 120,000, must establish one or more early voting polling places in each commissioners precinct for which the commissioners court receives a timely filed written request by at least 15 registered voters of that precinct.
The temporary polling place(s) must remain open for each weekday of the early voting period that the main early voting polling place will be open. The temporary branch polling place(s) must be open at least eight hours each day, unless the city or county are not serving as the early voting clerk and the territory holding the election has less than 1000 registered voters, in which case the temporary branch polling places must be open for at least three hours each day. (Secs. 85.062; 85.064).
NEW LAW NOTE: HB 1888, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), amended Section 85.064 to require that early voting at temporary branch polling places must now be conducted on the days that early voting is required to be conducted at the main early voting polling place under 85.005 (i.e. each weekday of the early voting period that the main location will be open) and must remain open for (1) eight hours each day, or (2) three hours each day if the city or county clerk does not serve as the early voting clerk for the territory and the territory has fewer than 1000 registered voters.
NOTE: A temporary branch polling place that is “movable” may be established only with the approval of the county clerk. If a movable temporary branch polling place is established on the request of a political party, each political party whose nominee for governor in the most recent gubernatorial general election received more than 10 percent of the total number of votes received by all candidates for governor in the 2018 election, is entitled to the establishment of such a polling place. The election officers serving a polling place covered by this subsection must be appointed from the list submitted by the county chairs to the early voting clerk. (Sec. 85.062(e)).
NEW LAW NOTE: HB 2640, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), amends 172.1111 to require that the notice of precinct conventions be posted continuously during the early voting period. Prior to opening the polls, presiding judge of each precinct must post at each entrance to the building a notice of the time and place for convening the precinct, county, senatorial and state conventions. This notice must remain posted continuously during the early voting period and on election day. (Sec. 172.1111).
If an FPCA is received by this date without a postmark to prove mailing date, the early voting clerk will accept the FPCA and send the applicant a full ballot if the applicant is not already a permanent registered voter, but meets the requirements under Title 2 of the Texas Election Code. (Sec. 101.052(i)). (The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Tuesday, February 18, 2020, due to the 15th day before primary election day falling on Monday, February 17, 2020, a legal holiday, Presidents’ Day.) (Sec. 1.006).
Deadline to notify election judges of duty to hold election (Writ of Election). (Sec. 4.007). Written notice must be given to the presiding judge of the duty to hold the election, purpose of election, the election date, location of the polling place, hours the polls are open, and the number of clerks to be appointed. (The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Tuesday, February 18, 2020, due to the 15th day before primary election day falling on Monday, February 17, 2020, which is a legal holiday, Presidents’ Day.) (Sec. 1.006).
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 (72 hours preceding first hour Saturday early voting will be conducted)
Deadline to post notice on bulletin board used for posting notice of meetings of the commissioners court 72 hours preceding first hour that early voting on Saturday, February 22, 2020 will be conducted. (Sec. 85.007(b), (c)). That notice must also be forwarded to SOS in a manner that affords SOS enough time to post the notice on the SOS website. (Sec. 85.007(d), (e)).
Thursday, February 20, 2020 (72 hours preceding first hour Sunday early voting will be conducted; 12th day before primary election day)
Deadline for the early voting clerk to post notice on bulletin board used for posting notice of meetings of the commissioners court 72 hours preceding first hour that early voting on Sunday, February 23, 2020 will be conducted. (Sec. 85.007(b), (c)). That notice must also be forwarded to SOS in a manner that affords SOS enough time to post the notice on the SOS website. (Sec. 85.007(d), (e)).
First day to submit an application for and vote a late ballot because of sickness or disability that arose on or after this date. May submit application through 5:00 p.m. on primary election day. (Secs. 102.001 & 102.003).
Friday, February 21, 2020 (11th day before primary election day)
Last day for early voting clerk to receive applications for a ballot to be voted by mail. (Sec. 84.007(c). All applications to vote by mail must be received by the early voting clerk before the close of regular business or 12 noon, whichever is later. Applications to vote by mail must be submitted by mail, common or contract carrier, fax (if a fax machine is available in the office of the early voting clerk) or e-mail. The early voting clerk’s designated email address must be posted on the Secretary of State’s website. (Sec. 84.007(c)).
Last day to receive an FPCA from a voter. If the voter is not registered in the county, the voter is eligible for a ballot containing federal offices only. (Secs. 101.052(f) & 114.004(c)).
NOTE: If an ABBM is faxed or emailed or if an FPCA is faxed, then the applicant must submit the ORIGINAL application BY MAIL to the early voting clerk so that the early voting clerk receives the original no later than the 4th business day after receiving the emailed or faxed ABBM or faxed FPCA. If the early voting clerk does not receive the original ABBM or FPCA by that deadline, then the emailed or faxed ABBM or faxed FPCA will be considered incomplete, and the early voting clerk may NOT send the applicant a ballot. The requirement to mail the original application does not apply to an emailed FPCA. For additional information, please see Note 10, above.
Saturday, February 22, 2020 (10th day before primary election day)
Sunday, February 23, 2020 (9th day before primary election day)
Monday, February 24, 2020 — Friday, February 28, 2020 (8th day — 4th day before primary election day)
In counties with a population of 100,000 or more, the early voting clerk must keep the main polling place open for 12 hours each day between February 24 and February 28, 2020. Early voting must be conducted at permanent branch locations for 12 hours each day.
Monday, February 24, 2020 (8th day before primary election day)
If county election precincts are consolidated, county clerk must post at the polling place used in the preceding general election for state and county officers a notice of consolidation and location of the polling place. For purposes of conducting a primary election, the “preceding general election” is the preceding primary election. (Secs. 4.003(b) & 172.1112). (The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Monday, February 24, 2020 due to the 10th day falling on Saturday, February 22, 2020. (Sec. 1.006)).
NOTE: Section 172.1112 provides that the county clerk is required to post the notice of consolidation, if polling places are consolidated. The notice of consolidation should be posted to the county’s website, if the county maintains a website. If the county does not maintain a website, then it should be posted on the commissioners court bulletin board.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020 (4th business day before primary election day)
Last day for Secretary of State to receive requests for state election inspectors for general primary election. The request must be a written request by 15 or more registered voters of the county for which the inspector is requested. (Sec. 34.001).
Thursday, February 27, 2020 (day before the last day of early voting in person)
A voter who will be absent from his county of residence due to a death of an immediate family member occurring on or after this day may apply for a late ballot. Application may be made after the last day of early voting in person, up to the close of business on the day before primary election day. (Secs. 103.001 & 103.003).See entry under Saturday, February 29, 2020.
Deadline to post notice of delivery of early voting ballots and materials if delivery will be made to the early voting ballot board between the end of the period for early voting by personal appearance and the opening of the polls on primary election day (see entry under March 3, 2020), notice must be posted of such delivery, 24 hours in advance. (Secs. 87.0221, 87.0222, 87.023, 87.024 & 87.0241).
Friday, February 28, 2020 (4th day before primary election day)
Last day to publish notice of public test of automatic tabulating equipment, if test will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2020, and testing was not already completed. The public notice of the test of automatic tabulating equipment must be published at least 48 hours before the test begins. Additionally, for a primary election, the custodian must notify the county chair of the test 48 hours prior to the test. (Sec. 127.096).
NOTE: Section 127.096 requires that for a primary election, the custodian of election records must give the county chair 48 hours of notice prior to the test. The county chair is required to confirm receipt of the notice.
Saturday, February 29, 2020 (day after last day of early voting in person; 3rd day before primary election day)
First day to submit an application for and vote a late ballot because of a death in the immediate family that occurred on or after Thursday, February 27, 2020 (“the day before the last day for early voting by personal appearance”), and will require absence from the county on election day. The application may be submitted through Monday, March 2, 2020, the day before primary election day. (Secs. 103.001 & 103.003(b)).
Sunday, March 1, 2020 (2nd day before primary election day)
Monday, March 2, 2020 (day before primary election day; Texas Independence Day)
Last day to submit application to vote a late ballot due to death in immediate family that occurred on or after Thursday, February 27, 2020. (Sec. 103.003).
Deadline for county chair to post notices of changed polling places. The notice must be posted at the entrance of the polling place used in the last primary election and must provide the location of the new polling place. (Sec. 43.062).
Deadline for Voter Registrar to post notice of election night transfer of provisional ballots, IF the voter registrar wants to take possession of the provisional ballots and forms on election night (Tuesday, March 3, 2020). The voter registrar must inform the custodian of the election records and post a notice of the election night transfer no later than 24 hours before election day. (1 T.A.C. §§ 81.172 – 81.174).
NOTE: Under this type of delivery, the voter registrar must go to the office of the custodian of election records and pick up the provisional ballots and forms. (1 T.A.C. §81.174(d)(3)).
NOTE: Monday, March 2, 2020 is Texas Independence Day. If your office is closed on this day, then these deadlines should be addressed before this date so that they may be completed before election day. If your office is open on this day, then you should continue to accept applications for late ballots by personal appearance due to death in the family on this date.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020, PRIMARY ELECTION DAY (Sec. 41.007(a), (c))
Prior to opening the polls, presiding judge of each precinct must post at each entrance to the building a notice of the time and place for convening the precinct, county, senatorial and state conventions. This notice must remain posted continuously during the early voting period and on election day. (Sec. 172.1111).
Deadline for receiving applications for late early ballots to be voted by persons who became sick or disabled on or after Thursday, February 20, 2020 (12th day before election day). (Sec. 102.003(b)). See entries at Thursday, February 20, 2020,& Friday, February 21, 2020, and Saturday, February 29, 2020.
Regular deadline for receiving early voting ballots by mail. BUT see entry for Wednesday, March 4, 2020 on “late domestic ballots,” and entry for Monday, March 9, 2020 on other “late” ballots.
This is also the deadline to receive late early ballots cast by voters who became sick or disabled on or after Thursday, February 20, 2020 (12th day before election day). (Secs. 86.007(a) & 102.006(c)).See entries at Thursday, February 20, 2020, Friday, February 21, 2020, and Saturday, February 29, 2020.
NOTE: An early voting mail ballot that is not received by 7:00 pm on election day may not be counted unless the ballot may be counted late under 86.007(d), which applies to ballots mailed from outside the United States (Sec. 86.007(d)), late domestic ballots (Sec. 86.007(a)(2)), and ballots from members of the armed forces and merchant marine of the United States, their spouses and dependents (Sec. 101.057). See entry for Wednesday, March 4, 2020, and entry for Monday, March 9, 2020.
Note on Delivery of Early Voting by Personal Appearance and Mail Ballots: The early voting clerk delivers the voted ballots, the key to the double locked ballot box, etc., to the early voting ballot board at the time or times specified by the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board, during the hours on election day that the polls are open or as soon after the polls close as practicable. (Secs. 87.021, 87.022). The custodian of the key to the second lock of the double locked early voting ballot box delivers his or her key to the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board on request of the presiding judge. (Secs. 85.032(d) & 87.025). The custodian is the sheriff for county elections, elections ordered by the governor, and a primary election (or the county judge in a year when the office of sheriff is on the ballot). (Sec. 66.060).
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 (1st business day after primary election day)
5:00 p.m. – Deadline to receive “late domestic ballots” mailed within the United States from non-military voters and from any military voters who submitted an Application for Ballot by Mail (“ABBM”) (not a Federal Postcard Application – “FPCA”), if the carrier envelope was placed for delivery by mail or common or contract carrier AND bears a cancellation mark of a postal service or a receipt mark of a common or contract carrier or a courier indicating a time not later than 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election on election day, March 3, 2020. (Secs. 86.007(a)(2)). A late domestic ballot cannot be counted if it does not bear a cancellation mark or a receipt mark. (Sec. 86.007(c), (e), & (f)).
NOTE: This deadline does not apply to ballots sent by non-military voters who are overseas but applied for a ballot using an ABBM; these voters have until the 5th day after primary election day to return their ballots (or the next business day if the 5th day falls on a weekend or legal state or federal holiday). This deadline also does not apply to ballots mailed (domestically or from overseas) by certain members of the military who applied for a ballot using an FPCA; those voters have until the 6th day after primary election day to return their ballots. See entry for March 9, 2020.
NOTE: For the primary election, if the voter registrar wants to take possession of the provisional ballots and forms on election night (Tuesday, March 3, 2020), the voter registrar must inform the custodian of the election records and post a notice of the election night transfer no later than 24 hours before election day. However, under this type of delivery, the voter registrar must go to the office of the custodian of election records and pick up the provisional ballots and forms. Also, note that the voter registrar may take possession of provisional ballots prior to election night if ballots are kept separate and may be provided without unlawful entry into ballot box. (1 T.A.C. §§ 81.172 – 81.174).
Monday, March 9, 2020 (6th day after primary election day)
Last day to receive ballots from non-military and any military voters casting ballots from outside of the United States, who submitted an ABBM, (not an FPCA) AND who placed their ballots in delivery by 7:00 p.m. on primary election day, Tuesday, March 3, 2020, as evidenced by a postal service cancellation mark or a receipt mark of a common or contract carrier or a courier (Secs. 86.007(d)). A late overseas ballot sent by a voter who applied for a ballot using an ABBM (not an FPCA) cannot be counted if it does not bear a cancellation mark or a receipt mark. (Sec. 86.007(c), (e), & (f)). The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Monday, March 9, 2020 due to the 5th day falling on a Sunday. (Sec. 86.007(d-1)).
NOTE: The delivery is considered timely if the carrier envelope or, if applicable, the envelope containing the carrier envelope is properly addressed with postage or handling charges prepaid and bears a cancellation mark of a recognized postal service or a receipt mark of a common or contract carrier or a courier indicating a time by 7:00 p.m. on primary election day.
Last day to receive ballots from non-military voters casting ballots from overseas, who submitted a FPCA, AND who placed their ballots in delivery by 7:00 p.m. on primary election day, Tuesday, March 3, 2020. (Sec. 86.007(d) & (e)). The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Monday, March 9, 2020 due to the 5th day falling on a Sunday. (Sec. 86.007(d-1)).
Last day to post notice of the county chair (or county chair’s designee) and at least one member of the county executive committee’s canvass of the returns for the primary election because canvass must take place on Thursday, March 12, 2020. This notice must be posted at least 72 hours before the scheduled time of the meeting. (Sec. 172.116; Secs. 551.002, 551.041 & 551.043, Texas Government Code).
NEW LAW NOTE: HB 2640, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), amended Section 172.116 to provide that a county chair may designate another individual to conduct the local canvass on the county chair’s behalf. That designee must be a member of the county executive committee. If no member of the county executive committee is available to act as the county chair’s designee, then any individual who is a resident of the county and is affiliated with the same political party may act as the county chair’s designee.
Deadline for provisional voter to (1) present acceptable identification to county voter registrar; or (2) execute an affidavit relative to “natural disaster” or “religious objection” in presence of county voter registrar. (Secs. 65.054 & 65.0541; 1 T.A.C. §81.175).
Deadline for county voter registrar to complete the review of provisional ballots. (1 T.A.C. §§81.175 & 81.176).
Deadline for custodian of election records or presiding judge of the early voting ballot board to retrieve provisional ballots from county voter registrar. (1 T.A.C. §§ 81.175 & 81.176).
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 (7th day after primary election day; 2nd Tuesday in March)
Thursday, March 12, 2020 (2nd Thursday after primary election day, 9th day after Primary Election Day)
any late domestic ballots (non-military) that bear a cancellation mark or receipt mark indicating they were placed for delivery by mail or common or contract carrier not later than 7:00 p.m. on primary election day, March 3, 2020, and were received not later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. (Secs. 86.007(a) and 87.125(a)).
any late ballots that were submitted from outside the United States by voters who applied for the ballot using an ABBM and were received by Monday, March 9, 2020. (Secs. 87.125(a)) and 86.007(d)).
any ballots received by Monday, March 9, 2020, from voters who are members of the armed forces of the United States, or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the armed forces, members of the merchant marines of the United States, or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the merchant marine and who applied for a ballot using an FPCA. (Secs. 101.057 and 87.125(a)).
NOTE: Ballots that do not qualify under 1-3 above should be treated as ballots not timely returned and should not be delivered to the ballot board. (Sec. 86.007).
The time the board reconvenes is set by the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board. (Sec. 87.125).
Local canvass of the general primary election by county chair (or county chair’s designee) and at least one member of the county executive committee must be conducted on this date. (Sec. 172.116(b)).
NOTE: Section 172.084(a) requires that the order of candidates on the ballot for the runoff primary election be the same as the order of candidates on the ballot for the general primary election. Therefore, a second ballot drawing for ballot order for the runoff primary election is no longer required.
Last day to post notice of state executive committee’s meeting to canvass returns of primary election because state canvass must take place on Sunday, March 15, 2020. This notice must be posted at least 72 hours before the scheduled time of the meeting. (Sec. 172.120; Secs. 551.002, 551.041 & 551.043, Texas Government Code).
Friday, March 13, 2020 (10th day after primary election day; 24 hours after local canvass)
Saturday, March 14, 2020 (1st Saturday after 2nd Tuesday in March)
Sunday, March 15, 2020 (2nd Sunday after the primary election day)
Deadline for state executive committee to conduct state canvass for all races with potential runoffs (races with three or more candidates). See entry under Wednesday, March 25, 2020. State chair must certify these candidates for statewide and district offices for placement on runoff primary election ballot to county chair as soon as practicable after canvass is completed. The certification will be posted to the secretary of state’s website. (Secs. 172.120(b)(1) & 172.121).
NOTE: Section 172.121 requires the state chair to certify runoff candidates for state or district offices by posting the candidates and their respective outcomes to the secretary of state’s website.
NOTE: Section 172.084(a) requires that the order of candidates on the ballot for the runoff primary election be the same as the order of candidates on the ballot for the general primary election. As thus, a second ballot drawing for ballot order for the runoff primary election is not required.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 (3rd day after state canvass of races with potential runoffs)
5:00 p.m. — Last day runoff primary candidates may withdraw from ballot. (Sec. 172.059(a)).
Thursday, March 19, 2020 (4th day after state canvass of races with potential runoffs; 61st day before runoff primary election)
Friday, March 20, 2020 (60th day before runoff primary election)
Recommended last day for the county chair of each political party to appoint presiding and alternate judges for each precinct in which the primary election will be held in the county, presiding judges for the early voting ballot board and the central counting station, and personnel for the central counting station, if judges have not been appointed for the primary runoff election. (Secs. 32.006, 32.008, 87.002 & 127.002-127.005). Written notice of the appointments must be given to the judges in accordance with Section 32.009 of the Texas Election Code.
Saturday, March 21, 2020 (2nd Saturday after 2nd Tuesday in March)
Monday, March 23, 2020 (57th day before runoff primary election day, 11th day after local canvass)
Deadline for the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board to notify provisional voters whether their ballots were counted and if not, the reason why they were not counted. (Sec. 65.059; 1 T.A.C. §§ 81.176(e)). (The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Monday, March 23, 2020 due to the 10th day falling on Sunday, March 22, 2020. (Sec. 1.006).
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 (22nd day after primary election day)
Deadline for state chair to conduct the state canvass for races with no potential runoff. (Sec. 172.120(b)(2)). (See entry under Sunday, March 15, 2020).
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 (20th day after local canvass of primary election)
Deadline for county chair to post notice of the secretary of state’s website the names of the persons elected as county chair and precinct chairs for the county. (Sec. 172.118).
NOTE: Section 172.118 does not require the county chair to provide written notice to the state chair and county clerk of new party officers. Instead, the county chair will post this information on the secretary of state’s website.
Thursday, April 2, 2020 (30th day after primary election day)
Deadline for county clerk to deliver to Secretary of State precinct returns of primary election for all offices other than party offices, including precinct-by-precinct returns for early voting. The report must include early voting votes cast by mail and early voting votes cast by personal appearance. That delivery to SOS must be made through the electronic system for submission of the report. (Secs. 67.017 & 172.124).
NEW LAW NOTE: HB 2640, as enacted by the 86th Legislature (2019), amended Sections 67.017 and 172.124 to require this report to include all offices other than party offices in the precinct-by-precinct reports under this section. That report must include separate totals for early voting votes by mail and early voting votes by personal appearance.
Monday, April 6, 2020 (50th day before runoff primary election day)
Saturday, April 11, 2020 (45th day before runoff primary election day))
NOTE: The 45th-day deadline under Section 86.004(b) is not extended by Section 1.006 to the next business day. The ballots covered by Section 86.004(b) should be sent out on or before Saturday, April 11, 2020.
Reminder: In regards to mail ballots for other voters (not military or overseas), the early voting clerk must mail a ballot not later than the 7th day after the later of: (1) the date the early voting clerk has accepted a voter’s application for a ballot by mail or (2) the date the ballots become available for mailing. However, if the 7th day falls earlier than the 37th day before runoff primary election day, the voter’s mail ballot must be mailed no later than the 30th day before runoff primary election day. (Sec. 86.004(a)).
Saturday, April 18, 2020 (3rd Saturday in April)
State convention for minor party that is nominating candidates for statewide offices. (Sec. 181.061(a)). This date is moved from the second Saturday in April to the third Saturday in April due to the fact that the Sunday after the second Saturday in April is Easter. (Sec. 181.061(a)).
Friday, April 24, 2020 (32nd day before runoff primary election day and 12th day before first day signature verification committee may convene)
If the signature verification committee will start meeting on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, recommended date early voting clerk should post copy of the order calling for appointment of the signature verification committee. (Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, 2020 are the 10th and 11th days before the first day the committee may meet.) The notice must remain posted continuously for at least 10 days before the first day the committee meets. The notice must be posted on the county’s website if the county maintains a website. If the county does not maintain a website, the notice must be posted on the commissioners court bulletin board. (Sec. 87.027).
Monday, April 27, 2020 (29th day before runoff primary election day)
Last day to register to vote or make a change of address effective for the Tuesday, May 26, 2020 primary runoff election. (Secs. 13.143, 15.025).
NOTE: A Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) also serves as an application for permanent registration under Texas law unless the voter marked “outside the U.S. indefinitely” (2005) form or “do not intend to return” (2011 form). The early voting clerk should make a copy (for mailing ballots, keeping records, etc.), then should forward the original to the county voter registrar, as soon as practicable, but no later than within 5 days. (Sec. 101.055, 1 Tex. Admin. Code Sec. 81.40(a), (c)(2)).
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 (5th day after recommended date to order signature verification committee)
If the early voting clerk issues order calling for appointment of signature verification committee on the recommended date for issuing that order (Friday, April 24, 2020), this is the deadline for the county chair to appoint the members to the committee. See entry under Friday, April 24, 2020. (Sec. 87.027).
Sunday, May 3, 2020 (61st day after primary election day)
First day the general custodian of election records may (1) require a person who has possession of a key that operates the lock on a ballot box containing voted ballots to return the key to the custodian; and (2) unlock the ballot box and transfer the voted ballots to another secure container for the remainder of the preservation period. (Sec. 66.058(b)). Please note that the custodian is not required by law to do this on Sunday, May 3, 2020; the custodian may choose to transfer the voted ballots to another secure container for the remainder of the preservation period on Monday, May 4, 2020 or a later date.
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 (21st day before runoff primary election day)
Last day for county clerk to post notice of the runoff primary election on the county’s website. The notice must also be posted on the county’s website if the county maintains a website. If the county does not maintain a website, the notice must be posted on the commissioners court bulletin board. (Secs. 4.003 & 172.1112).
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 (20th day before runoff primary election day)
Last day for a person to apply for a full ballot by mail using an FPCA, if the person is not a registered voter but meets the requirements under Title 2 of the Texas Election Code. (Secs. 101.052(e) & 101.055(a)). (If the voter marks the FPCA form indicating “indefinitely” (older form) or “do not intend to return” (newer form), the voter receives a federal-only ballot.) Postmark with this date on the FPCA is proof that the applicant submitted the FPCA by this deadline. See entry below for FPCA without postmark at the 15th day before runoff primary election day, May 11, 2020. (Sec. 101.052(e), (i)).
Thursday, May 7, 2020 — Friday, May 15, 2020 (19th — 11th day before runoff primary election day)
A person submitting an FPCA during this period who is not registered to vote is not entitled to receive a ballot for any non-federal election held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. See entry below under Monday, May 11, 2020 (FPCA without a postmark). (Secs. 101.052(f) & 114.004(c)).
Friday, May 8, 2020 (18th day before runoff primary election day))
If a defective application to vote early by mail is received on or before this date, the early voting clerk must mail the applicant a new application form with explanation of defects, a statement that the voter is not entitled to vote early by mail unless he or she submits a sufficient application by the deadline, and instructions for submitting the new application. For defective applications received after this date and before the end of early voting by personal appearance, the early voting clerk must mail only the notice of defect and a statement that the voter is not entitled to vote early by mail unless he or she submits a sufficient application by the deadline. (Sec. 86.008).
Monday, May 11, 2020 (15th day before runoff primary election day)
Deadline to notify election judges of duty to hold election (Writ of Election). Written notice must be given to the presiding judge of the duty to hold the election, purpose of election, the election date, location of the polling place, hours the polls are open, and the maximum number of clerks that may be appointed. (Sec. 4.007).
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 (13th day before runoff primary election day)
Last day to publish notice of L&A test if test is to be conducted on Friday, May 15, 2020, because notice must be published 48 hours before test begins. The notice must be posted on the county’s website if the county maintains a website. If the county does not maintain a website, the notice must be posted on the commissioners court bulletin board. Additionally, for a primary election, the custodian must notify the county chair of the test 48 hours prior to the test. The county chair must confirm receipt of the notice. (Sec. 129.023).
Thursday, May 14, 2020 (day before the last day to apply for a ballot by mail; 12th day before runoff primary election day)
First day to submit an application for and vote a late ballot because of sickness or disability that arose on or after this date. May submit application through 5:00 p.m. on runoff primary election day, May 26, 2020. (Secs. 102.001 & 102.003).
Friday, May 15, 2020 (11th day before runoff primary election; last business day 48 hours before start of early voting in person)
Last day for early voting clerk to receive applications for a ballot to be voted by mail. (Sec. 84.007(c)). All applications to vote by mail must be received by the early voting clerk before the close of regular business or 12 noon, whichever is later. Applications to vote by mail must be submitted by mail, common or contract carrier, fax (if a fax machine is available in the office of the early voting clerk) or e-mail. The early voting clerk will need to designate an e-mail address for the receipt of applications for ballot by mail. (Sec. 84.007(c)).
NOTE: If an ABBM is faxed or emailed or if an FPCA is faxed, then the applicant must submit the ORIGINAL application BY MAIL to the early voting clerk so that the early voting clerk receives the original no later than the 4th business day after receiving the emailed or faxed ABBM or faxed FPCA. If the early voting clerk does not receive the original ABBM or FPCA by that deadline, then the emailed or faxed ABBM or faxed FPCA will be considered incomplete, and the early voting clerk may NOT send the applicant a ballot. The requirement to mail the original application does not apply to an emailed FPCA. For additional information, please see Note 14, above.
Last day to receive a FPCA from a voter. If the voter is not registered in the county, the voter is eligible for a ballot containing federal offices only. (Secs. 101.052(f) & 114.004(c)).
Monday, May 18, 2020 — Friday, May 22, 2020 (8th — 4th day before runoff primary election day)
In counties with a population of 100,000 or more, the early voting clerk must keep the main polling place open for 12 hours each day during early voting for the runoff primary election. Early voting must be conducted at permanent branch locations for 12 hours each day.
Monday, May 18, 2020 (8th day before runoff primary election day)
NOTE: The early voting period for the runoff primary election begins 10 days prior to election day, but because this day falls on a weekend (Saturday, May 16, 2020), it is extended to the next regular business day Monday, May 18, 2020. (Sec. 85.001(b), (c)).
If county election precincts are consolidated, county clerk must post at the polling place used in the preceding general election for state and county officers a notice of consolidation and location of the polling place. For purposes of conducting a runoff primary election, the “preceding general election” is the preceding primary election. (Secs. 4.003(b) & 172.1112). (The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Monday, May 18, 2020 due to the 10th day falling on Saturday, May 16, 2020.) (Sec. 1.006).
NOTE: Section 172.1112 requires that the county clerk, rather than the county chair, post the notice of consolidation. The notice should be posted on the county’s website if the county maintains a website. If the county does not maintain a website, then it should be posted on the commissioners court bulletin board.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 (4th business day before runoff primary election day)
Thursday, May 21, 2020 (day before the last day of early voting in person; 5th day before runoff primary)
A voter who will be absent from his county of residence due to a death of an immediate family member occurring on or after this day may apply for a late ballot. Application may be made after the last day of early voting in person, up to the close of business on the day before runoff primary election day. (Secs. 103.001 & 103.003). See entry under Saturday, May 23, 2020.
If delivery of early voting ballots and materials will be made to the early voting ballot board between the end of the period for early voting by personal appearance and the opening of the polls on runoff primary election day (see Note in entry under May 26, 2020), notice must be posted of such delivery 24 hours in advance. (Secs. 87.0221, 87.0222, 87.023, 87.024 & 87.0241).
Friday, May 22, 2020 (4th day before runoff primary election day)
Deadline to publish notice of the first test of the automatic tabulating equipment, if the test is to be conducted as recommended on Sunday, May 24, 2020. The notice must be published at least 48 hours before the test. Additionally, for a primary election, the custodian must notify the county chair of the test 48 hours prior to the test. The county chair must confirm receipt of the notice. (Secs. 127.093 & 127.096).
Saturday, May 23, 2020 (day after last day of early voting in person; 3rd day before runoff primary election day)
First day to submit an application for and vote a late ballot because of a death in the immediate family that occurred on or after Thursday, May 21, 2020 (“the day before the last day for early voting by personal appearance”), and will require absence from the county on election day. May submit application through May 25, 2020, the day before runoff primary election day. (Secs. 103.001 & 103.003(b)).
Counties with a population of 100,000 or more may begin counting ballots voted in person or by mail during the early voting period. (Sec. 87.0241(b)).
Last day to publish notice of the public L&A test of a voting system that uses DRE voting machines (or an electronic voting system which is subject to L&A testing under advisories issued by Secretary of State) that will be used for the first time on election day, if test will be held on Monday, May 25, 2020. The last date to perform this test for DREs that will be used for the first time on election day is Monday, May 25, 2020. Notice of the public L&A test must be published at least 48 hours before the test begins. The notice must be posted on the county’s website if the county maintains a website. If the county does not maintain a website, the notice must be posted on the commissioners court bulletin board. Additionally, for a primary election, the custodian must notify the county chair of the test 48 hours prior to the test. The county chair must confirm receipt of the notice. (Secs. 1.006, 129.001 & 129.023).
Sunday, May 24, 2020 (2nd day before primary election day)
Monday, May 25, 2020 (day before runoff primary election day; Memorial Day)
Last day to submit an application for and vote a late ballot by personal appearance due to death in immediate family that occurred on or after Thursday, May 21, 2020. (Sec. 103.003).
Deadline for Voter Registrar to post notice of election night transfer of provisional ballots, IF the voter registrar wants to take possession of the provisional ballots and forms on election night (Tuesday, May 26, 2020). The voter registrar must inform the custodian of the election records and post a notice of the election night transfer no later than 24 hours before election day. (1 T.A.C. §§ 81.172 – 81.174).
NOTE: Monday, May 25, 2020 is Memorial Day. If your office is closed on this day, then these deadlines should be addressed before this date so that they may be completed before election day. If your office is open on this day, then you should continue to accept applications for late ballots by personal appearance due to death in the family on this date.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 (4th Tuesday in May) RUNOFF PRIMARY ELECTION DAY (Sec. 41.007(b)).
Deadline for receiving applications for late ballots to be voted by persons who became sick or disabled on or after Thursday, May 14, 2020 (12th day before runoff primary election day). (Secs. 84.007(c), 102.001 & 102.003(b)). See entries at Thursday, May 14, 2020 and Friday, May 15, 2020.
Regular deadline for receiving early voting ballots by mail. BUT see entry for Wednesday, May 27, 2020 on “late domestic ballots,” and entry for Monday, June 1, 2020 on other “late” ballots.
This is also the deadline for receiving early voting ballots by mail and late ballots cast by voters who became sick or disabled on or after Thursday, May 14, 2020 (12th day before runoff election day). (Secs. 84.007(c), 86.007(a) & 102.006(c)). (See late ballot exception to the by-mail rule under entry for June 1, 2020). See entries at Thursday, May 14, 2020 and Friday, May 15, 2020.
NOTE: An early voting mail ballot that is not received by 7:00 pm on election day may not be counted unless the ballot may be counted late under 86.007(d), which applies to ballots mailed from outside the United States (Sec. 86.007(d)), late domestic ballots (Sec. 86.007(a)(2)), and ballots from members of the armed forces and merchant marine of the United States, their spouses and dependents (Sec. 101.057). See entry for Wednesday, May 27, 2020, and entry for Monday, June 1, 2020.
Note on Delivery of Early Voting by Personal Appearance and Mail Ballots: The early voting clerk delivers the voted ballots, the key to the double-locked ballot box, etc., to the early voting ballot board at the time or times specified by the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board, during the hours on election day that the polls are open or as soon after the polls close as practicable. (Secs. 87.021, 87.022). The custodian of the key to the second lock of the double-locked early voting ballot box delivers his or her key to the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board on request of the presiding judge. (Secs. 85.032(d) & 87.025). The custodian is the sheriff for county elections, elections ordered by the governor, and a primary election (or the county judge in a year when the office of sheriff is on the ballot). (Sec. 66.060).
Deadline for minor party chairs to submit petitions and precinct convention lists to Secretary of State and to the appropriate county clerk (or other county election official) for placement on the ballot. (Secs. 181.005(a), 181.006(b)(3), 182.003, 182.004). (The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Tuesday, May 26, 2020 due to the 75th day after the precinct conventions falling on Sunday, May 24, 2020, and the next day being Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020.) (Sec. 1.006).
Wednesday, May 27, 2020 (1st business day after runoff primary election day)
5:00 p.m. – Deadline to receive “late domestic ballots” mailed within the United States from non-military voters and from any military voters who submitted an Application for Ballot by Mail (“ABBM”) (not a Federal Postcard Application – “FPCA”), if the carrier envelope was placed for delivery by mail or common or contract carrier AND bears a cancellation mark of a postal service or a receipt mark of a common or contract carrier or a courier indicating a time not later than 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election on runoff primary election day, May 26, 2020. (Secs. 86.007(a)(2)). A late domestic ballot cannot be counted if it does not bear a cancellation mark or a receipt mark. (Sec. 86.007(c), (e), & (f)).
NOTE: This deadline does not apply to ballots sent by non-military voters who are overseas but applied for a ballot using an ABBM; these voters have until the 5th day after election day to return their ballots (or the next business day if the 5th day falls on a weekend or legal state or federal holiday). This deadline also does not apply to ballots mailed (domestically or from overseas) by certain members of the military who applied for a ballot using an FPCA; those voters have until the 6th day after election day to return their ballots. See entry for June 1, 2020.
NOTE: If the voter registrar wants to take possession of the provisional ballots and forms on election night (Tuesday, May 26, 2020), the voter registrar must inform the custodian of the election records and post a notice of the election night transfer no later than 24 hours before election day. However, under this type of delivery, the voter registrar must go to the office of the custodian of election records and pick up the provisional ballots and forms. Also, note that the voter registrar may take possession of provisional ballots prior to election night if ballots are kept separate and may be provided without unlawful entry into ballot box. (1 T.A.C. §§ 81.172 – 81.174).
Monday, June 1, 2020 (6th day after runoff primary election day)
Last day to receive ballots from non-military and any military voters casting ballots from outside of the United States, who submitted an ABBM, (not an FPCA) AND who placed their ballots in delivery by 7:00 p.m. on runoff primary election day, Tuesday, May 26, 2020, as evidenced by a postal service cancellation mark or a receipt mark of a common or contract carrier or a courier (Sec. 86.007(d)). A late overseas ballot sent by a voter who applied for a ballot using an ABBM (not an FPCA) cannot be counted if it does not bear a cancellation mark or a receipt mark. (Secs. 86.007(c), (e), & (f)). The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Monday, June 1, 2020, due to the 5th day falling on Sunday, May 31, 2020. (Secs. 86.007(d-1)).
NOTE: The delivery is considered timely if the carrier envelope or, if applicable, the envelope containing the carrier envelope is properly addressed with postage or handling charges prepaid and bears a cancellation mark of a recognized postal service or a receipt mark of a common or contract carrier or a courier indicating a time by 7:00 p.m. on election day.
Last day to receive ballots from non-military voters casting ballots from overseas, who submitted a FPCA, AND who placed their ballots in delivery by 7:00 p.m. on runoff primary election day, Tuesday, May 26, 2020. (Sec. 86.007(d) & (e)). The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Monday, June 1, 2020 due to the 5th day falling on Sunday, May 31, 2020. (Secs. 86.007(d-1)).
Last day to post notice of county chair (or county chair’s designee) and at least one member of county executive committee’s canvass of the returns for the runoff primary election because canvass must take place on Thursday, June 4, 2020. This notice must be posted at least 72 hours before the scheduled time of the meeting. (Sec. 172.116; Secs. 551.002, 551.041 & 551.043, Texas Government Code).
Deadline for provisional voter to (1) present acceptable identification to county voter registrar; or (2) execute an affidavit relative to “natural disaster” or “religious objection” in presence of county voter registrar. (Secs. 65.054 & 65.0541; 1 T.A.C. § 81.175).
Deadline for custodian of election records or presiding judge of the early voting ballot board to retrieve provisional ballots from county voter registrar. (1 T.A.C. §§ 81.172 – 81.175 & 81.176).
Thursday, June 4, 2020 (9th day after runoff primary election day; 2nd Thursday after runoff primary election day)
any late domestic ballots (non-military) that bear a cancellation mark or receipt mark indicating they were placed for delivery by mail or common or contract carrier not later than 7:00 p.m. on election day, May 26, 2020, and were received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 27, 2020. (Secs. 86.007(a)(2) and 87.125(a)).
any late ballots that were submitted from outside the United States by voters who applied for the ballot using an ABBM and were received by June 1, 2020. (Secs. 86.007(d) and 87.125(a))).
any ballots received by Monday, June 1, 2020, from voters who are members of the armed forces of the United States, or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the armed forces, members of the merchant marines of the United States, or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the merchant marine and who applied for a ballot using an FPCA. (Secs. 101.057 and 87.125(a)).
NOTE: Ballots by mail that do not qualify under 1-3 above should be treated as ballots not timely returned and should not be delivered to the ballot board.
Local canvass of the runoff primary election by county chair (or county chair’s designee) and at least one member of the county executive committee must be conducted on this date. (Sec. 172.116(b)).
Friday, June 5, 2020 (10th day after runoff primary election day; 24 hours after local canvass)
NOTE: Sec. 87.0431 requires notice to also be provided to email address of an overseas mail ballot voter if ballot was transmitted to the voter by email under Section 101.102.
Saturday, June 13, 2020 (3rd Saturday after runoff primary election day)
Monday, June 15, 2020 (11th day after local canvass; 20th day after runoff primary election day)
Deadline for the presiding judge of the early voting ballot board to notify provisional voters whether their ballots were counted and if not, the reason why they were not counted. (Sec. 65.059; 1 T.A.C. §81.176). (The deadline is extended to the next regular business day which is Monday, June 15, 2020 due to the 10th day falling on Sunday, June 14, 2020.) (Sec. 1.006).
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 (20th day after local canvass)
Deadline for county chair to post notice to the Secretary of State’s website of the names of the persons elected as county chair and precinct chairs for the county. The notice must include (1) each party officer’s address, (2) each precinct chair’s precinct number, and (3) each precinct officer’s phone number and email address, if supplied by the officer. (Sec. 172.118).
Thursday, June 25, 2020 (30th day after runoff primary election day)
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 (30th day after term of party office starts)
Deadline by which former county chair must transfer party bank accounts and records to new county chair; it is a Class C misdemeanorif the former county chair fails to transfer the records. (Sec. 171.028).
Sunday, July 26, 2020 (61st day after runoff primary election day)
First day the general custodian of election records may (1) require a person who has possession of a key that operates the lock on a ballot box containing voted ballots to return the key to the custodian; and (2) unlock the ballot box and transfer the voted ballots to another secure container for the remainder of the preservation period. (Sec. 66.058(b)). Please note that the custodian is not required by law to do this on Sunday, July 26, 2020; the custodian may choose to transfer the voted ballots to another secure container for the remainder of the preservation period on Monday, July 27, 2020 or a later date.
Wednesday, August 31, 2020
January 2022 (Twenty-two (22) months after 2020 primary election day)
Contents of ballot box(es) may be destroyed if no contest or criminal investigation has arisen (Secs. 66.058 and 1.013; 52 U.S.C. 20701), and if no open records request has been filed (Tex. Att'y Gen. ORD-505 (1988)).
March 2022 (Twenty-two (22) months after 2020 runoff primary election day; two years after 2020 primary election day)
Contents of ballot box(es) may be destroyed if no contest or criminal investigation has arisen (Secs. 66.058 and 1.013; 52 U.S.C. 20701) and if no open records request has been filed (Tex. Att'y Gen. ORD-505 (1988)).
March 2024 (Four years after 2020 election day)
May 2024 (Four years after 2020 runoff primary election day)