reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
TX Elec COde § 127.124 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter E. Processing Results at Central Counting Station|Section 127.124. Early Processing of Ballots

Sec. 127.124.  EARLY PROCESSING OF BALLOTS.  (a)  The authority adopting an electronic voting system for use in an election in which ballots are processed at a central counting station may provide by resolution, order, or other official action that processing the electronic system ballots will begin while the polls are open for voting on election day.(b)  The authority shall state in the official action the intervals during the day at which the ballots are to be delivered from the polling places to the central counting station for processing.(c)  The boxes in which the ballots are delivered to the counting station may be returned to the polling places for use in subsequent deliveries.  If a box to be reused is a sealed ballot box authorized by Subchapter C, the authority responsible for distributing election supplies to the polling places, or the authority's designee, shall lock and seal the box at the counting station in the same manner as for the initial locking and sealing of the box and then deliver it to the appropriate polling place.(d)  The precinct election records shall be delivered to the central counting station in the last ballot box delivered from the polling place to the counting station.(e)  The authority may restrict early ballot processing to ballots voted at particular polling places by designating the polling places in the official action providing for the early processing.  The authority may restrict the early processing to activities preparatory to the counting of ballots by stating in the official action the activities that are to be performed before the closing of the polls.(f)  Early processing of ballots under this section does not affect the time at which the results of the election may be disclosed.(g)  If the counting of ballots begins before the polls close, the provisions applicable to absences from the polling place by election officers while the polls are open apply to the personnel serving at the central counting station.  The presiding judge shall supervise the absences.|Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 92, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.|
TX Elec COde § 127.125 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter E. Processing Results at Central Counting Station|Section 127.125. Preparing Ballots for Automatic Counting

Sec. 127.125.  PREPARING BALLOTS FOR AUTOMATIC COUNTING.  (a)  The manager of a central counting station shall have the ballots prepared for automatic counting.(b)  The manager shall have the ballots examined to detect any irregularly marked ballots and to determine whether the ballots to be counted automatically are ready for counting and can be properly counted.  The manager shall have each irregularly marked ballot duplicated to indicate the intent of the voter if the voter's intent is clearly ascertainable, unless other law prohibits counting the vote.  After making the appropriate determinations and taking the appropriate actions, the manager shall approve the ballots for counting.(c)  After the ballots are approved for counting, the manager shall deliver them to the tabulation supervisor or to the supervisor's designee.|Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 851, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2001;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1054, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.|
TX Elec COde § 127.126 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter E. Processing Results at Central Counting Station|Section 127.126. Duplicating Ballots

Sec. 127.126.  DUPLICATING BALLOTS.  (a)  The manager of a central counting station may have ballots duplicated for automatic counting as provided by this section.(b)  The valid portion of a partially invalid ballot may be duplicated on another ballot so that the valid portion can be automatically counted.(c)  If an electronic system ballot is damaged to the extent it cannot be automatically counted, the ballot may be duplicated so it can be automatically counted.(d)  A procedure other than duplication may not be used to process a ballot subject to this section unless the procedure is expressly authorized by the secretary of state.(e)  Each duplicate ballot must be clearly labeled "Duplicate" and must bear the serial number of the original ballot.(f)  The duplicate shall be substituted for the original ballot in the ballots prepared for automatic counting.  The original shall be preserved with the other voted ballots for the same period.|Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 472, Sec. 38, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 491, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 728, Sec. 51, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.|
TX Elec COde § 127.127 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter E. Processing Results at Central Counting Station|Section 127.127. Operating Equipment and Handling Ballots Restricted

Sec. 127.127.  OPERATING EQUIPMENT AND HANDLING BALLOTS RESTRICTED.  A person other than the tabulation supervisor and the assistants to the tabulation supervisor may not operate the automatic tabulating equipment or handle the ballots that are automatically counted from the time the ballots are delivered to the tabulation supervisor for counting until the automatic counting is completed.|Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.|
TX Elec COde § 127.128 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter E. Processing Results at Central Counting Station|Section 127.128. Ballots Tabulated by Precinct

Sec. 127.128.  BALLOTS TABULATED BY PRECINCT.  The automatically counted ballots shall be separately tabulated according to election precinct.|Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.|
TX Elec COde § 127.129 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter E. Processing Results at Central Counting Station|Section 127.129. Correction of Results After Equipment Malfunction

Sec. 127.129.  CORRECTION OF RESULTS AFTER EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION.  The secretary of state shall prescribe procedures for correcting results after the discovery of an equipment malfunction that caused the results to be incorrect.|Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.|
TX Elec COde § 127.130 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter E. Processing Results at Central Counting Station|Section 127.130. Manual Counting

Sec. 127.130.  MANUAL COUNTING.  (a)  Electronic system ballots that are not to be counted automatically and the write-in votes not counted at the polling places shall be counted manually at the central counting station.(b)  If the automatic counting of electronic system ballots becomes impracticable for any reason, the manager may direct that the ballots be counted manually at the central counting station.(c)  The procedure for manual counting is the same as that for regular paper ballots to the extent practicable.  The manager is responsible for the manual counting of ballots at the central counting station.(c-1)  In any manual count conducted under this code, an irregularly marked vote on a ballot on which a voter indicates a vote by making a mark on the ballot is considered in the same manner as provided by Section 65.009.(d)  Repealed by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1107, Sec. 2.21(1), eff. January 1, 2006.(e)  Repealed by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1107, Sec. 2.21(1), eff. January 1, 2006.|Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 728, Sec. 52, eff. Sept. 1, 1993;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1315, Sec. 51, eff. Jan. 1, 2004.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1107 (H.B. 2309), Sec. 2.21(1), eff. January 1, 2006.|For expiration of Subsections (d) and (e), see Subsection (e).
TX Elec COde § 127.1301 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter E. Processing Results at Central Counting Station|Section 127.1301. Centrally Counted Optical Scan Ballots

Sec. 127.1301.  CENTRALLY COUNTED OPTICAL SCAN BALLOTS.  (a)  In an election using centrally counted optical scan ballots, the undervotes and overvotes on those ballots shall be tallied, tabulated, and reported by race and by election precinct in the form and manner prescribed by the secretary of state.(b)  An authority operating a central counting station under this chapter may not purchase or use a centrally counted optical ballot scan system that uses a data storage disc on which information, once written, is capable of being modified.(c)  An authority that purchases system components in order to comply with this section is eligible to have 100 percent of the cost of those system components reimbursed.(d)  Subsection (b) applies starting on the earlier of:(1)  the date on which the state certifies the first centrally counted optical ballot scan system under this section; or(2)  September 1, 2026.(e)  This subsection and Subsection (d) expire October 1, 2026.|Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1054, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1107 (H.B. 2309), Sec. 2.14, eff. January 1, 2006.Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 1), Sec. 4.14, eff. December 2, 2021.|
TX Elec COde § 127.131 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter E. Processing Results at Central Counting Station|Section 127.131. Preparing Returns

Sec. 127.131.  PREPARING RETURNS.  (a)  After the automatic counting of ballots for each precinct is completed, the presiding judge of the central counting station shall prepare the election returns for that precinct and sign the returns to certify their accuracy.(b)  In addition to the results of the automatically counted votes, the returns must include the results of the manually counted votes.(c)  The same number of copies of the returns shall be prepared as for a precinct polling place using regular paper ballots.(d)  The returns may not be certified until a valid automatic count is obtained or a manual count is completed, as appropriate.(e)  If the automatic tabulating equipment produces a printout that contains all information required to appear on the election returns, the printout with the addition of the manually counted votes constitutes the return.(f)  The presiding judge of the central counting station shall provide and attest to a written reconciliation of votes and voters at the close of tabulation for election day and again after the central counting station meets for the last time to process late-arriving ballots by mail and provisional ballots.  The secretary of state shall create and promulgate rules and a form to facilitate compliance with this subsection.  The form shall be posted on a website maintained by the county along with election returns and results.|Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.Amended by: Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 1), Sec. 4.15, eff. December 2, 2021.|
TX Elec COde § 127.1311 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter E. Processing Results at Central Counting Station|Section 127.1311. Announcing Unofficial Results

Sec. 127.1311.  ANNOUNCING UNOFFICIAL RESULTS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), unofficial election results shall be released as soon as they are available after the polls close.(b)  The presiding judge of the central counting station, in cooperation with the county clerk, may withhold the release of unofficial election results until the last voter has voted.|Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1002 (H.B. 2194), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2011.|
TX Elec COde § 127.132 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter E. Processing Results at Central Counting Station|Section 127.132. Disposition of Ballots, Returns, and Other Records

Sec. 127.132.  DISPOSITION OF BALLOTS, RETURNS, AND OTHER RECORDS.  (a)  The presiding judge of a central counting station shall distribute the voted ballots, election returns, and other election records from the counting station to the appropriate authorities.(b)  The voted ballots, election returns, poll list, tally lists for manually counted votes, and other election records shall be delivered to the authorities who receive the corresponding records from precinct polling places using regular paper ballots.(c)  The election records delivered to the general custodian of election records may be delivered in any container approved by the secretary of state for that purpose.|Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 54, Sec. 22, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Elec COde § 127.151 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter F. Processing Results in System Without Centralized Counting|Section 127.151. Applicability of Subchapter; Procedures Prescribed by Secretary of State

Sec. 127.151.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER;  PROCEDURES PRESCRIBED BY SECRETARY OF STATE.  (a)  This subchapter applies to the processing of election results in electronic voting systems that do not entail the counting of ballots at central locations established under Subchapter A.(b)  An electronic voting system used under this subchapter must require voters to deposit the ballots directly into a unit of automatic tabulating equipment.  The tabulating equipment shall be programmed to return an irregularly marked ballot to the voter.(c)  The secretary of state shall prescribe any necessary procedures, in addition to those prescribed by this subchapter, for processing the election results.|Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.  Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 484, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1054, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.|
TX Elec COde § 127.152 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter F. Processing Results in System Without Centralized Counting|Section 127.152. Test of Tabulating Equipment Required

Sec. 127.152.  TEST OF TABULATING EQUIPMENT REQUIRED.  (a)  Each unit of automatic tabulating equipment shall be tested, using all applicable ballot formats, in accordance with the testing procedures prescribed by Subchapter D to the extent those procedures can be made applicable.(b)  The general custodian of election records shall conduct the first test.  The presiding election judge shall conduct the second and third tests at the polling place.  If the second and third tests are not conducted in accordance with this subsection, the automatic tabulating equipment shall be used to count the ballots at a central location in accordance with Subchapter A unless the secretary of state determines that a particular test at the polling place is not feasible for the automatic tabulating equipment.(c)  The general custodian of election records shall preserve the test materials for at least one year after election day or for at least 22 months after election day for an election involving a federal office.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 484, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Elec COde § 127.153 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter F. Processing Results in System Without Centralized Counting|Section 127.153. Test Repeated if Equipment Malfunctions

Sec. 127.153.  TEST REPEATED IF EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTIONS.  If the tabulating of ballots must be restarted because of an equipment or system malfunction or any other reason, the tests required by Section 127.152 shall be repeated.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 484, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Elec COde § 127.154 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter F. Processing Results in System Without Centralized Counting|Section 127.154. Identification Numbers Required for Equipment

Sec. 127.154.  IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS REQUIRED FOR EQUIPMENT.  (a)  Each unit of automatic tabulating equipment must have a permanent identification number.  Each part of that equipment that contains the ballot tabulation must also have a permanent identification number.(b)  Each of the identification numbers shall be recorded on the appropriate ballot and seal certificate.(c)  A ballot tabulation produced by automatic tabulating equipment that does not comply with Subsection (a) may not be used.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 484, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Elec COde § 127.155 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter F. Processing Results in System Without Centralized Counting|Section 127.155. Presiding Judge to Sign Tape

Sec. 127.155.  PRESIDING JUDGE TO SIGN TAPE.  (a)  The presiding judge shall sign any tape containing the ballot tabulation that is produced by the automatic tabulating equipment.(b)  The presiding judge shall retain a copy of the tape.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 484, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Elec COde § 127.156 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter F. Processing Results in System Without Centralized Counting|Section 127.156. Tabulation at Central Counting Station if Discrepancy Exists in Ballot Totals

Sec. 127.156.  TABULATION AT CENTRAL COUNTING STATION IF DISCREPANCY EXISTS IN BALLOT TOTALS.  If a discrepancy of more than three exists between the number of ballots recorded on the ballot and seal certificate and the number of ballots cast on the tape containing the ballot tabulation that is produced by the automatic tabulating equipment, the official tabulation of those ballots shall be conducted at a central counting station.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 484, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Elec COde § 127.157 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Election Code|Title 8 - Voting Systems|Chapter 127 - Processing Electronic Voting System Results|Subchapter F. Processing Results in System Without Centralized Counting|Section 127.157. Processing Irregularly Marked Ballots

Sec. 127.157.  PROCESSING IRREGULARLY MARKED BALLOTS.  (a)  This section applies only to a voting system that allows voters to deposit the ballots directly into a unit of automatic tabulating equipment.(b)  While the polls are open or as soon as practicable after the polls close, the counted ballots shall be removed from the ballot box and examined for irregularly marked ballots.  The ballot box may not be opened for the purpose of examining the ballots unless there are at least 10 ballots in the box.(c)  If an election officer determines that two or more ballots were improperly tabulated because of irregular marks, the irregularly marked ballots shall be separated from the ballots that were marked properly, and all of the ballots shall be delivered to a central counting station.(d)  At the central counting station, the irregularly marked ballots shall be duplicated, and the ballots shall be processed in accordance with Section 127.126. The duplicate ballots shall be automatically counted with the remainder of the ballots at the central counting station.  The tabulation conducted at the central counting station is considered to be the official tabulation for those ballots.(e)  If only one ballot has been improperly tabulated because of an irregular mark, the ballot shall be placed in an envelope as prescribed by the secretary of state.  The envelope must include the irregularly marked ballot and a form that identifies the nature and date of the election, ballot serial number, and applicable offices.  The envelope shall be delivered to a central counting station.  At the central counting station, the ballot shall be examined and adjustments shall be made to the totals certified by the election judge to indicate the intent of the voter.  The election results for the affected precinct shall be manually entered into the election processing system, but the original election returns may not be altered.  The envelope containing the ballot and form shall be placed in the ballot box with the regular voted ballots and shall be preserved with those ballots for the same period.|Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 632, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.|